Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay for the quantitative determination of DHEA in human serum.

INTENDED USE:For the quantitative measurement of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in human serum by an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay). This kit is intended for professional use only and is for laboratory use only. For in vitro diagnostic use only. Intended to be used manually but may be adaptable to open automated analyzers. The user is responsible for validating the performance of this kit with any automated analyzers.

GENERAL INFORMATION:Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a C19 steroid produced in the adrenal cortex and to a lesser extent in the gonads. DHEA serves as a precursor in testosterone and estrogen synthesis. Due to the presence of a 17-oxogroup, DHEA has relatively weak androgenic activity, which has been estimated at ~10% that of testosterone. However, in neonates, peripubertal children and in adult women, circulating DHEA levels may be several-fold higher than testosterone concentrations, and rapid peripheral tissue conversion to more potent androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) and estrogens may occur. Moreover, DHEA has a relatively low affinity for sex hormone-binding globulin—a factor that may enhance the physiological biopotency of DHEA.
The physiological functions of DHEA are still the subject of investigation. DHEA reportedly plays a role in immune function, lipid metabolism, cholesterol, the nervous system, ageing and protection against viral infection. Serum DHEA levels are relatively high in the fetus and neonates, low during childhood, and increase during puberty until the third decade of life. No consistent change in serum DHEA levels occurs during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. DHEA has a rapid metabolic clearance rate as compared to its sulfated conjugate. Because of this, serum DHEA levels are 100–1000 fold lower than DHEA-Sulfate levels. In addition, serum DHEA levels show significant diurnal variation which is dependent on adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Measurement of serum DHEA is a useful marker of adrenal androgen synthesis. Abnormally low levels may occur in hypoadrenalism, and elevated levels may occur in several conditions, such as 21-hydroxylase and 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies and some cases of female hirsutism.

KIT CHARACTERISTICS:
- Method: ELISA
- Tests: 96
- Incubation Time / Conditions: 90 min (RT), 15-20 min
- Standard Range: 0.2 - 40 ng/ml
- Sensitivity analytical: LoD: 0.092 ng/ml
- Final Sample Volume: 25 µl
- Sample Type: serum
- Isotope / Substrate: TMB 450 nm
- Internal Controls: 2
- Regulatory Status: CE