South · Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Blood Test
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Blood Test in Alabama
This page explains the dehydroepiandrosterone (dhea) blood test, what it measures, and how to order it. This blood test measures dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. It is used to help evaluate adrenal function and hormone balance.
Lab requirements in Alabama
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Blood Test in AL. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- Follow the instructions provided by the collection laboratory, which may include timing the test to a certain part of the day. Because preparation can vary, always confirm the specific…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
The DHEA blood test measures the amount of dehydroepiandrosterone in the bloodstream. DHEA is a steroid hormone that the body uses to make other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. The test is often ordered alongside other hormone tests to give a fuller picture of adrenal and endocrine health.
What it measures
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) — reflects the amount of this adrenal hormone circulating in the blood
- DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) — a related form that is often measured because it stays stable longer in the blood
- Adrenal androgen activity — gives a general sense of hormone production by the adrenal glands
What the test involves
A healthcare professional collects a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in the arm, using a standard blood draw. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test to look into symptoms that could relate to adrenal or hormonal imbalance, such as unusual fatigue, changes in body hair, or irregular menstrual cycles. It can also be used to monitor certain hormone-related conditions over time.
Preparation
Follow the instructions provided by the collection laboratory, which may include timing the test to a certain part of the day. Because preparation can vary, always confirm the specific steps with the lab before your appointment.
How results are reported
Results are reported as a numeric level of DHEA in the blood, often alongside a reference range. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so results should always be interpreted using the range provided by the testing lab and in context with your health history.
Before you go
- Whether any fasting or timing instructions apply to your test
- Which laboratory will process the sample and what reference range it uses
- Whether you should pause any medications or supplements before collection
Cities
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Blood Test in Alabama communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.