The new IBL International DHEA Saliva ELISA correlates very well to the LC-MS/MS reference method, and is the only commercially available assay with clear specified reference values.
The normal DHEA concentration alters significantly with age, gender and time of the day. During the day, DHEA values have the highest level in the morning and decrease over the day to the lowest level during night time. This pattern is somewhat similar to Cortisol. For this reason clear indication about the reference values is of utmost importance.
Advantages of the improved IBL DHEA Saliva ELISA
- Calibration to the LC-MS/MS reference method
y = 0.91x – 13.35; r = 0.96; N = 130
- Measuring range up to 2,160 pg/mL
- Clearly defined reference values
- The TMB, stop solution and wash solution are interchangeable within Cortisol, Testosterone and Progesterone saliva ELISA (RE52611, RE52631 and RE52281)
The new reference ranges have been carefully determined on the basis of 140 day profiles, with respect to the gender, age and time of the day. Starting with batch no. EDE113, the following reference values have to be considered:
|
Morning |
Evening |
|
Age |
n |
5%-95% percentile |
Median |
5%-95% percentile |
Median |
[pg/mL] |
[pg/mL] |
[pg/mL] |
[pg/mL] |
Females
|
14-39 |
39 |
101.0-776.8 |
277.1 |
28.1-414.5 |
129.7 |
40-85 |
31 |
53.2-418.3 |
240.9 |
35.4-241.2 |
91.7 |
14-85 (total) |
70 |
68.0-676.0 |
251.9 |
35.4-396.8 |
110.3 |
Males
|
16-39 |
45 |
104.5-790.1 |
362.9 |
74.2-487.9 |
161.7 |
40-76 |
25 |
38.1-501.6 |
264.0 |
24.7-622.1 |
107.0 |
16-76 (total) |
70 |
59.2-745.1 |
326.5 |
51.1-482.0 |
141.4 |
It is recommended that each laboratory establishes its own range of normal values.
Numerous Application fields
Due to the ubiquitous occurrence of DHEA, its determination is useful in many fields of medical diagnostics and in research, not only in endocrinology and anti-aging medicine but also in neuroendocrinology and veterinary medicine. DHEA is a stress marker in psychology and in sport medicine.
Pulsatile dynamics
Due to the pulsatile dynamics of DHEA secretion repeated saliva sampling is recommended. We recommend collecting 3 to 5 saliva samples within 2 hours. In the laboratory, equal volumes of the individual saliva samples can be mixed. This mixed sample results in a mean free DHEA value, which represents the active hormone concentration in a reproducible way.
For concrete data please consult the Instruction for Use in the download box on the right side.