Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHAS)

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

DHAS

Referral code

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Test information

To diagnose a virilizing adrenal tumour and monitor recurrence after surgical removal. Useful in women if hirsuitism and/or virilisation is of sudden onset and in prepubertal children when pubic/axillary hair appears prematurely or features of masculinisation. It can be helpful in the investigation of polycystic ovary syndrome where there is involvement of adrenals and ovaries. It can be used to diagnose and monitor treatment of C.A.H. It can be used in the differential diagnosis of Cushings syndrome due to an adrenal adenoma. Low values are seen in patients with cortisol excess due to an adrenal adenoma.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Reference range

see report

Tube type

Tube type info

SST

Special requirements

Serum

Minimum volume

500 uL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

4 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

4 weeks

Referral lab

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham