The DetectX^® Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) Immunoassay Kit uses a specifically generated antibody to measure DHEA-S in serum, plasma, urine, and saliva samples. The kit will also measure DHEA-S present in fecal extracts and tissue culture media samples.  Standards or diluted samples are pipetted into a clear microtiter plate coated with an antibody to capture sheep antibodies. A DHEA-S-peroxidase conjugate is added to the standards and samples in the wells. The binding reaction is initiated by the addition of a polyclonal antibody to DHEA-S to each well. After a 2 hour incubation the plate is washed and substrate is added. The substrate reacts with the bound DHEA-S-peroxidase conjugate. The intensity of the generated color is detected in a microtiter plate reader at 450nm.

DHEA-S is primarily produced by the adrenal glands and it is useful as a marker for adrenal function. Adrenal tumors, cancers, and hyperplasia can lead to the overproduction of DHEA-S. High DHEA-S levels can lead to amenorrhea and visible symptoms of virilization. These changes vary in severity and may include: a deeper voice, hirsutism, male pattern baldness, muscularity, acne and enlargement of the Adam’s apple. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have elevated levels of DHEA-S. Excess levels of DHEA-S in children can cause precocious puberty in boys; and ambiguous external genitalia, excess body hair, and abnormal menstrual periods in girls.