DHEA-S. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a steroid hormone produced and secreted by the adrenal cortex. In women, about 5% is also synthesized in the ovaries. It is produced as a complex sulfate ester. Most is broken down in the body, with approximately 10% excreted in urine.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a steroid hormone produced and secreted by the adrenal cortex. In women, about 5% is also synthesized in the ovaries. It is produced as a complex sulfate ester. Most is broken down in the body, with approximately 10% excreted in urine.
DHEA-S accumulates in humans at 3.5-20 mg/day, independent of circadian rhythms. It does not form specific blood fraction protein bonds but reacts with serum albumin.
Reference DHEA-S values by age and gender (µg/mL):
- Men – 18-49 years: 0.9-5.7, >50: 0.6-3.1;
- Women – 18-49 years: 0.6-3.5, >50: 0.1-2.5;
- Newborns – 1.08-3.6.
Indications for DHEA-S Testing
The hormone’s stability and high blood concentration make it a reliable androgen secretion marker.
Testing differentiates and detects ovarian diseases, osteoporosis, and delayed puberty.
Low DHEA-S levels occur with adrenal hypofunction/tumors, diabetes, CNS damage, and corticosteroid use. Elevated levels indicate adrenal diseases/hyperplasia or Cushing’s syndrome. Above-normal levels suggest androgen-producing tumors.
How DHEA-S Determination Is Conducted
Testing occurs in the morning on an empty stomach. Avoid medications, alcohol, and physical activity the day before.
DHEA-S concentration in serum is quantified via:
- Solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) – based on competition between sample DHEA and a conjugated analog in kit wells for binding with polyclonal antibodies. Post-tetramethylbenzidine processing and incubation, staining intensity (proportional to hormone concentration) is measured photometrically against a calibration curve.
- Immunochemiluminescent assay (ICLA) – detects brief light quanta (chemiluminescence) from antigen-antibody interactions in serum/plasma, using advanced analyzers.
DHEA-S blood levels are a primary marker of adrenal androgen production.
Turnaround Time for DHEA-S Testing
The complex sample preparation and analysis take 2-3 hours.
Prices and Clinics
Testing is faster in labs with high-performance hematology analyzers. Explore top diagnostic center services on the medical portal, with quick online appointment registration available.
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