Test Price
1,000 AED✅ Home Collection Available
DHEA Stimulation Test (ACTH Stimulation) in Dubai, UAE – 1000 AED
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
This dynamic ACTH stimulation test measures DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels at baseline and 90 minutes after synthetic ACTH administration to evaluate adrenal gland reserve with 99.9% diagnostic accuracy. The assay is processed in our ISO 9001:2015 certified laboratory (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139) using enhanced ELISA methodology with auto-analyzer verification. VIP mobile phlebotomy with temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection is available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM. Direct billing support and insurance verification are provided via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.
Test Overview & Methodology
This dynamic endocrine evaluation assesses adrenal gland reserve by measuring DHEA levels before and 90 minutes after synthetic ACTH (Synacthen) administration. The test is essential for diagnosing subtle or partial adrenal insufficiency, adult-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and for guiding anti-aging and hormone optimization protocols. Our protocol follows DHA-mandated dual-tube collection with precisely timed intervals, ensuring unequivocal results through enhanced enzyme immunoassay with automated verification.
| Feature | DNA Labs UAE (AMCA Accredited) | Standard Hospital Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Enhanced Enzyme Immunoassay (ELISA) with Auto-Analyzer Verification | Conventional ELISA / Manual Readout |
| Precision (CV%) | Less than 3.5% Intra-Assay | 5–8% Intra-Assay |
| Turnaround Time | Same-Day (sample drawn Tue/Fri by 9 AM) | 24–48 Hours |
| Home Collection | Included – Cold-Chain Logistics (Daily 8 AM–11 PM) | Often Extra or Unavailable |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
"In my clinical experience evaluating patients with unexplained fatigue and adrenal symptoms, the ACTH-stimulated DHEA test frequently reveals blunted adrenal responses that standard morning cortisol measurements fail to capture. This dynamic assessment provides a functional view of the adrenal axis that static hormone panels cannot replicate. I advise patients to correlate these results with their full clinical picture and to never adjust corticosteroid, estrogen, or DHEA supplementation without explicit instruction from their treating physician."
— Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner, DHA Registration ID: 36234132
Medication & Preparation Advisory
Do not discontinue prescribed corticosteroids, estrogen therapy, or DHEA supplements before this test without consulting your doctor. Overnight fasting of 10–12 hours is mandatory; only water is permitted. Synthetic ACTH (Synacthen) is not supplied by this facility and must be administered by a supervising clinician in a monitored setting. Apply no creams or lotions to your arms on the day of collection.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
Absolute contraindications include pregnancy, acute febrile illness, known hypersensitivity to ACTH preparations, and uncontrolled hypertension. Emergency red flags during the test procedure: if you experience palpitations, severe dizziness, chest tightness, or diffuse rash, stop immediately and seek urgent medical attention. This test is not suitable for individuals with known adrenal crisis or untreated severe asthma.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What does the DHEA Stimulation Test diagnose?
This test definitively assesses adrenal gland reserve and uncovers partial adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and androgen excess syndromes that static hormone panels frequently miss. The delta DHEA ratio between baseline and 90-minute post-ACTH samples is the critical diagnostic parameter used by endocrinologists to guide treatment decisions.
2. Why must I fast and provide two timed blood samples?
Fasting for 10–12 hours eliminates dietary interference with DHEA metabolism and ensures a reliable baseline measurement. The second sample collected exactly 90 minutes after ACTH administration captures the adrenal gland's dynamic secretory capacity, revealing its true functional reserve. Both samples are essential for calculating the response curve.
3. How should I prepare for home collection?
You will receive a cold-chain kit delivered to your residence. Do not apply creams or lotions to your arms on collection day. Our DHA-certified phlebotomist will administer the ACTH under your physician's standing order; remain in a reclined position throughout the 90-minute interval. The entire procedure is conducted under temperature-controlled logistics to preserve sample integrity.
4. When will I receive my results and how are they interpreted?
Results are delivered the same day when samples are collected before 9 AM on Tuesday or Friday. Your report includes baseline and post-stimulation DHEA values along with the calculated delta response. A board-registered physician provides telephonic guidance to help you understand your adrenal response curve and its clinical implications.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Data Protection & Health Information Governance
All patient data is processed in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Clinical safety and patient consent protocols adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability. Your health information is encrypted, access-controlled, and never shared with third parties without explicit written consent. Our laboratory operates under DHA Facility License No. 1143 within the Dubai Healthcare City regulatory framework.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | DHEA Stimulation Test (ACTH Stimulation) |
| Price (AED) | 1000 |
| Turnaround Time | Same Day (samples collected Tue/Fri before 9 AM) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Serum (Peripheral Blood) – VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection Available (Daily 8 AM–11 PM) |
| Methodology Used | Enhanced Enzyme Immunoassay (ELISA) with Auto-Analyzer Verification |
| ICD-10-CM Code | E27.1, E27.2, E24.0 |
| LOINC Code | 28620-4 |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA Facility License No. 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE | DNA Labs UAE |
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