What does the Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (Dried Blood Spot) test measure?

Why is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (Dried Blood Spot) measured?

DHEA-S is the marker of choice for adrenal androgen production, used to distinguish adrenal from gonadal androgen excess, investigate premature adrenarche, and assess adrenal reserve in suspected adrenal insufficiency. Dried blood spot sampling offers stability and convenience for population screening and longitudinal monitoring.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Age- and sex-specific; peaks in the third decade and declines thereafter. Blood spot reference intervals are derived from LC-MS and not interchangeable with serum immunoassay norms.

Functional medicine optimal

Optimal ranges are age-dependent; younger adults typically have higher concentrations, and values in the upper half of the age-specific reference may be associated with favourable metabolic parameters, though evidence for routine supplementation is limited.

Units

µg/dL, µmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.