Clinical use
To investigate delayed or precocious puberty. diagnosis of a virilising adrenal tumour and monitoring recurrence after surgical removal. Differential diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome due to an adrenal adenoma.
Background
The assay has little value in the investigation of acne, idiopathic hirsutism or infertility. Virilising adrenal tumours – These are often associated with an increased production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate which can be detected by analysis of serum or urine. Measurement is indicated in women if hirsutism and/or virilisation is of sudden onset and in prepubertal children when pubic/axillary hair appears prematurely or there are other features of masculinisation.
Cushing’s syndrome – Serum values below the normal reference range have been described in patients with cortisol excess due to adrenal adenoma.
Reference ranges
2.7 – 9.2 µmol/L
Patient preparation
None required
Specimen requirements
A serum sample (SST) is required for analysis
Turnaround time
1 week
Referred test
Referred test