Hormone Inhibin A Test
Test Overview
The inhibin A test is done to measure the amount of this hormone, Opens dialog in a pregnant woman's blood to see if the baby may have Down syndrome, Opens dialog. Inhibin A is made by the placenta, Opens dialog during pregnancy.
The level of inhibin A in the blood is used in a maternal serum quadruple screening test. Generally done between 15 and 22 weeks, this test checks the levels of four substances in a pregnant woman's blood. The quad screen checks 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 chance that the baby may have certain problems or birth defects.
A test for inhibin A is done in addition to other tests to see if there is a chance of chromosome, Opens dialog problems, such as Down syndrome.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
A normal result means that the level of the hormone inhibin A is low, or negative. An abnormal result means the level of the hormone inhibin A is high, or positive.footnote 1 The level of the hormone must be reviewed with the quad screen blood tests.
All abnormal results will need to be discussed with your doctor.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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