Inhibin A Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Inhibin A Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | INHA, Inhibin A Tumour Marker, Dimeric Inhibin A |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required; no special preparation needed |
| Report Time | 1 to 5 business days (may vary by laboratory) |
| Recommended For | Pregnant women (second trimester), women with suspected ovarian tumours, postmenopausal women |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,200 |
What Is an Inhibin A Test?
The Inhibin A test measures the level of inhibin A, a protein hormone produced by the ovaries in women and, in small amounts, by the testes in men. In pregnant women, it is produced by the placenta. Doctors most commonly order this test as part of second-trimester prenatal screening or to investigate certain ovarian conditions. The test requires a simple blood sample drawn from a vein. It is also referred to as the INHA test or Dimeric Inhibin A test.
What Does an Inhibin A Test Measure?
The INHA test measures the concentration of inhibin A in the blood. Inhibin A is a hormone that helps regulate the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a chemical signal from the brain that controls reproductive function.
The key details about what this test assesses are listed below.
| What Is Measured | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Inhibin A hormone level | Reflects ovarian activity or placental function, depending on the patient's status |
| Result in pregnant women (reported as MoM) | Used alongside other markers to estimate the risk of chromosomal differences in the baby |
| Result in non-pregnant women | Helps assess ovarian tumour activity or ovarian reserve |
| Result in men | Provides a baseline; elevated levels may indicate a testicular tumour |
Why Is an Inhibin A Test Done?
Doctors prescribe the Inhibin A test for a variety of reasons related to pregnancy, ovarian health, and tumour monitoring.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain or a palpable pelvic mass
- Suspicion of a chromosomal abnormality in the foetus
- Unexplained difficulty conceiving
- Signs of ovarian dysfunction or irregular cycles
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The INHA test can help in identifying or assessing the risk of the following conditions:
- Down syndrome (trisomy 21) risk in the developing baby
- Edwards' syndrome (trisomy 18) risk in the developing baby
- Granulosa cell tumours of the ovary
- Mucinous epithelial ovarian tumours
- Pre-eclampsia (a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure)
Inhibin A Test During Pregnancy
The Inhibin A test is one of four markers in the quadruple (quad) screening test, performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Together with AFP, unconjugated oestriol, and hCG, it helps estimate the chance of the baby having a chromosomal difference such as Down syndrome. In pregnancies affected by Down syndrome, inhibin A levels tend to be higher than expected.
Inhibin A Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
In women previously diagnosed with a granulosa cell tumour, measuring inhibin A levels is useful for monitoring treatment response. After surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), rising inhibin A levels may suggest that the disease has returned, often before clinical symptoms appear. Patients in remission typically show normal inhibin A levels.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before the Inhibin A test. The process is straightforward and similar to any routine blood draw.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand. If your doctor has ordered additional tests at the same time, ask whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment.
- Wear a short-sleeved top or one with sleeves that roll up easily.
- Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you currently take.
- Tell your doctor if you smoke or have concerns about your weight, as these can affect results.
- If you are pregnant, confirm your exact gestational age before the test, as this is needed for accurate interpretation.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect when your sample is collected.
- A healthcare professional wraps an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to see.
- The skin over the collection site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A small needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually inside the elbow.
- A small amount of blood is drawn into a collection tube.
- The elastic band is removed, and the needle is withdrawn.
- A cotton pad or gauze is pressed over the site and secured with a bandage; your sample is then labelled and sent to the laboratory.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your inhibin A result.
- Smoking (can raise inhibin A levels)
- Obesity (can lower inhibin A levels)
- Phase of the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women
- Incorrect gestational age in pregnant women
- Body weight and diabetic status (factored into quad screen risk calculations)
Understanding Your Inhibin A Test Results
Results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who will consider your age, pregnancy status, menstrual cycle phase, and overall health history.
| Group | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Men (all ages) | Less than 2.0 | pg/mL |
| Premenopausal women | Less than 97.5 (varies with cycle phase) | pg/mL |
| Postmenopausal women | 0 to 3.6 | pg/mL |
| Pregnant women | Reported as MoM (Multiple of Median) | MoM |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
In pregnant women, inhibin A levels change naturally throughout pregnancy. Levels tend to fall between 8 and 13 weeks, then again from 15 to 19 weeks, before rising towards term. Women with pre-eclampsia often show significantly elevated inhibin A levels compared to unaffected pregnancies.
In premenopausal women, inhibin A fluctuates across the menstrual cycle. A result that appears elevated or low may simply reflect the cycle phase at the time of testing, and should be interpreted accordingly.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general lifestyle habits support overall hormonal and reproductive health.
- Attend all scheduled antenatal appointments if you are pregnant.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking, as both factors directly affect inhibin A levels.
- Speak with your doctor about any concerns regarding fertility or ovarian health.
Lupin Diagnostics Inhibin A Test Price and Home Collection
The Inhibin A test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹680, with home sample collection available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,200 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1,200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,200 |
| Chennai | ₹1,200 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,200 |
| Pune | ₹1,200 |
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your Inhibin A test near me through Lupin Diagnostics.
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection across cities, so you can have your blood drawn at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Digital reports are delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Inhibin A test is most commonly used as part of the quadruple (quad) screening during the second trimester of pregnancy, typically between 15 and 20 weeks. It helps assess the risk of the baby having chromosomal differences such as Down syndrome or Edwards' syndrome. It is also used as a tumour marker for certain ovarian conditions.
No fasting is needed before this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If you have been asked to get other tests done at the same time, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
No, the INHA test does not confirm Down syndrome on its own. It is a risk assessment tool. An abnormal result means a higher statistical chance of a chromosomal difference; further diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis, are required to reach a confirmed diagnosis.
Men primarily produce inhibin B rather than inhibin A. The normal inhibin A level for men across all age groups is less than 2 pg/mL. Inhibin A testing in men is rarely required and is only considered in specific clinical contexts, such as the evaluation of certain testicular tumours.
In women treated for granulosa cell tumours, the Inhibin A test helps track treatment response. Rising levels after treatment can suggest residual or returning disease, often before symptoms appear. Women in remission generally show inhibin A levels within the normal range.
Inhibin A Test: Booking, Price, and Results
