Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEAS)

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

 

DHEAS

 

 

Department


Biochemistry
Royal Stoke University Hospital


Pre-analytical information  

 

Add-on requests: accepted up to 72 hours post sampling

Minimum Retest Interval: 27 days

Sample Collection Instructions:
Collect the sample using normal venepuncture technique into a serum gel tube (gold-top).

Sample Transport & Stability Information:
Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained.  If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.
Stable in separated serum for 4 hours at room temperature, 6 days at 4-8oC and 1 month at -20oC.

For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.

 

Sample Type, Container & Volume

Adult sample type:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paediatric sample type: 

Plain serum

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 72 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Sex

Age

DHEAS Range (μmol/L)

Female

≤ 11 months

0.1-23.3 

Female

1 year old

0.1-1.5 

Female

2-3 years

0.1-0.6 

Female

4-9 years

0.1-2.9 

Female

10-15 years

0.9-6.7 

Female

16-21 years

2.7-11.2 

Female

≥ 22 years

0.7-12.5 

Male

≤ 11 months

0.1-23.3 

Male

1 year old

0.1-1.5 

Male

2-3 years

0.1-0.6 

Male

4-9 years

0.1–2.4 

Male

10-15 years

1.0–7.3 

Male

16-21 years

2.8–14.2 

Male

≥ 22 years

0.9–15.4 

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

Investigation of disorders of sex development, early puberty, virilisation/hirsutism in women.


Concentration of DHEAS is high in neonates, then fall rapidly. Levels rise again during puberty, peak during early adulthood and then decline with age.

There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.

Serum/plasma samples are routinely screened for the presence of haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia. Results are not reported if one or more of these has been detected at levels deemed to have had a significant impact on the accuracy of the test.

For more information, please see the following: DHEAS – Lab Tests Online.

Reviewed / Updated On: 10/10/2025