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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.
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.
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
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, 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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