Inhibin A Test
Inhibin A Test
Inhibin A is a protein hormone primarily produced by the ovaries during the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy. However, women with certain types of ovarian cancers may also secrete this hormone.
Inhibin A can be detected with a simple blood test. Doctors may use this test to evaluate pregnancy and ovarian-related conditions. Inhibin A is measured as part of a quadruple screen test, commonly performed in the first or second trimester of pregnancy, to aid doctors in evaluating a pregnant woman's risk of having a baby with genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21). It also helps them investigate the causes of spontaneous abortion and other pregnancy-related complications in women of childbearing age.
Inhibin A levels fluctuate in postmenopausal women, indicating the possibility of rare ovarian tumors such as granulosa cells and mucinous epithelial tumors.
What is Inhibin A Test Used For?
Inhibin A test is used
For assessing the risk of having babies with potential birth defects such as Down syndrome among preganant women
To diagnose ovarian cancer (granulosa and mucinous type)
To evaluate the effectiveness of cancer treatment and monitor patients for recurrence of tumor after treatment
Preparation for Test
No specific preparation is required before undertaking the Inhibin A test. You can eat or drink like regular days. However, inform your doctor if you have an allergy or are on any medication.
Interpretation of Test Results
The test results for inhibin A are given as follows:
Abnormal
This report indicates increasing values of inhibin A in the provided sample, suggesting a high risk of Down syndrome, pre-eclampsia, and some types of ovarian cancer in women.
Additional and more definitive tests are required to determine and confirm the diagnosis of a particular medical condition.
Normal
The test results suggest that your inhibin A levels are within normal limits. However, please note that these values can vary depending on the laboratory, the individual's age, and the phase of a woman's menstrual cycle or stage of pregnancy.
Low levels of inhibin A in the blood may be associated with premature ovarian failure and menopause.
FAQs
Do males have inhibin A?
Yes, males have inhibin A; however, its concentration is less than <2.0 pg/mL. Produced in the testes, it may have some role in sperm production.
When should I get tested for Inhibin A?
For pregnant women, the Inhibin A test is typically conducted between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy as part of the quad screening. For fertility evaluations or other medical conditions, your doctor will advise you on the timing of the test.
What factors can affect the levels of Inhibin A?
Inhibin A levels may be influenced by the individual's age, phase of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, conditions related to the ovaries or testes, and certain medications.
How is inhibin a test used for cancer diagnosis?
Inhibin A, along with CA-125, may help determine whether you have an ovarian tumor and whether it is of a rare type (a granulosa cell tumor). If the inhibin A level is found to be elevated in the blood test prior to treatment, it indicates the presence of an ovarian tumor. Doctors may use the inhibin A test to assess the effectiveness of treatment and monitor tumor recurrence after treatment.
What is a quadruple screening test?
It's a blood test performed between 15 and 22 weeks to check four substances in a pregnant woman's blood. These are alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a type of estrogen (unconjugated estriol, or uE3), and the hormone inhibin A. The levels of these substances, along with a woman's age and other factors, help the doctor estimate the likelihood of genetic abnormalities in the baby.
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