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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Hormone Inhibin A Test

Hormone Inhibin A Test

Test Overview

The inhibin A test is done to measure the amount of this hormone in a pregnant woman's blood to see if the baby may have Down syndrome. Inhibin A is made by the placenta 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.

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Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems.
  • Pregnancy: Should I Have Screening Tests for Birth Defects?
 Why It Is Done

Why It Is Done

A test for inhibin A is done in addition to other tests to see if there is a chance of chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome.

Learn more

  • Pregnancy: Should I Have Screening Tests for Birth Defects?
How To Prepare

How To Prepare

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

 How It Is Done

How It Is Done

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

 How It Feels

How It Feels

When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.

 Risks

Risks

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.

 Results

Results

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.

References

References

Citations

  1. Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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Related Links

Quad Screening for Birth Defects Medical Tests: Questions to Ask the Doctor

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