Steroid Panel 2 (9 Steroids) Test in UAE | 750 AED | DHA Licensed Laboratory

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

Diagnostic Precision: 99.9% sensitivity and specificity via ISO 9001:2015 certified LC-MS/MS processing, eliminating cross-reactivity inherent to immunoassay methods.
Premium Logistics: VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across Dubai and select UAE emirates.
Clinical Guidance: Complimentary telephonic post-test interpretation with a DHA-licensed general practitioner trained in endocrine diagnostics.
Insurance & Billing: Direct billing verification available via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731 for major UAE health insurers.
Turnaround: Results delivered within 3–4 working days from sample drop-off at our Dubai Healthcare City facility.

Test Overview & Methodology

The Steroid Panel 2 provides quantitative measurement of nine critical serum steroids including cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione, total testosterone, and key biosynthetic precursors. The assay employs liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the reference standard for steroid quantification, delivering unambiguous resolution of structurally similar hormones without antibody cross-reactivity. This panel is indicated for the evaluation of adrenal and gonadal axis disorders, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Feature	Steroid Panel 2 (LC-MS/MS)	Standard Immunoassay Panel
Specificity & Cross-Reactivity	< 0.1 % cross-reactivity; mass-based identification of each analyte	Up to 20 % cross-reactivity; frequent false elevations due to antibody interference
Analytical Methodology	Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)	Chemiluminescent immunoassay or ELISA
Lower Limit of Quantification	0.1 ng/mL for most analytes; suitable for paediatric and hypogonadal samples	1.0–5.0 ng/mL; insufficient sensitivity for low-concentration specimens
Turnaround Time	3–4 working days (sample drop-off Mon–Thu before 9 AM yields report by Wed–Sat)	5–7 working days with inferior chromatographic resolution

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

“Steroid profiling is a powerful diagnostic lens, but it must be interpreted within the full clinical context. A single abnormal value does not confirm disease; we must correlate it with symptoms, physical signs, and dynamic testing. Never alter prescribed corticosteroid or hormone therapy based solely on one panel result. I guide each patient through their results to build a safe, personalised management plan.” — Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner, DHA Registration ID: 36234132

Advisory: Medication Safety & Clinical Contraindications

Do not discontinue prescribed corticosteroids, androgens, or oestrogen therapy without direct consultation with your treating physician. Abrupt withdrawal of glucocorticoids can precipitate a life-threatening adrenal crisis. Patients on biotin supplements must cease intake 72 hours before venipuncture due to assay interference. Schedule your blood draw between 8–10 AM or 4–6 PM to align with the natural diurnal rhythm of cortisol and related steroids.

Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags

Exclusion: Active febrile illness or acute infection within 48 hours before sampling; known pregnancy (altered steroid-binding globulin concentrations); documented allergy to topical antiseptics used during venipuncture.
Red Flags — Seek Immediate Emergency Care: Sudden onset of severe flank or abdominal pain, profound muscle weakness, confusion, syncope, or intense salt craving. These symptoms may indicate acute adrenal insufficiency requiring urgent medical intervention.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. Why is a nine-steroid panel ordered instead of a single cortisol test?

A single cortisol measurement captures only one point in the steroid biosynthesis cascade and cannot identify enzymatic blocks or precursor accumulation. The nine-steroid panel maps the entire adrenal and gonadal synthetic pathway, enabling precise diagnosis of conditions such as 21-hydroxylase deficiency, Cushing's syndrome, and androgen excess disorders. This comprehensive view is essential for targeted endocrine management.

2. What preparation is required before the blood collection?

Fasting for 10–12 hours is recommended to minimise lipaemic interference. Discontinue all biotin-containing supplements for 72 hours prior to sampling. Schedule venipuncture strictly between 8–10 AM or 4–6 PM to respect the physiological cortisol rhythm. Avoid vigorous exercise and alcohol consumption for 24 hours before the test. Our mobile phlebotomist will confirm these instructions at the time of booking.

3. What do abnormal results mean and what follow-up is indicated?

Abnormal steroid profiles may indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency, or polycystic ovary syndrome. Elevated precursors with low downstream hormones suggest specific enzyme deficiencies. Follow-up typically includes dynamic suppression or stimulation testing (e.g., dexamethasone suppression, ACTH stimulation) under the supervision of an endocrinologist. Your referring physician will correlate laboratory findings with imaging and clinical presentation before establishing a diagnosis.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

All laboratory procedures and patient data handling at DNA Labs UAE conform to the following UAE federal statutes:

Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) — governs the collection, processing, and storage of personal health information with explicit patient consent and data minimization obligations.
Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields — regulates the security and confidentiality of electronic health records and telemedicine communications.
Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability — establishes the framework for clinical safety, informed consent, and professional accountability in diagnostic procedures.

All laboratory personnel handling patient specimens and data are bound by these statutes. Home collection services for minors require documented guardian consent in accordance with UAE federal requirements.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Steroid Panel 2 (9 Steroids)
Price (AED)	750
Turnaround Time	3–4 working days; samples accepted Mon–Thu before 9 AM
Sample Type / Matrix	Serum (peripheral venipuncture)
Methodology Used	Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
ICD-10-CM Code	E27.8 (Other specified disorders of adrenal gland)
LOINC Code	24319-0 (Steroid panel - Serum)
DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address	License No. 1143 \| Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE