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Inhibin - A
Hormone/ Element
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No Fasting Required
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Regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Marker for Downs Syndrome
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Inhibin-A Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Inhibin-A is a hormone produced by the ovaries and placenta that measures reproductive and fetal health status
- Primary indication: Part of the triple or quadruple screening test during pregnancy (second trimester) to assess risk of chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) and Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18)
- Used to evaluate ovarian reserve and fertility status in women with suspected ovarian dysfunction
- Timing: Typically performed between 15-22 weeks of gestation (second trimester) as part of routine prenatal screening
- May be used to monitor ovarian function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or premature ovarian failure
- Normal Range
- Pregnancy (Second Trimester - 15-22 weeks): Normal range is typically 0.7-3.6 ng/mL or MoM (Multiples of Median) of 0.5-2.5 MoM Elevated levels (>2.5 MoM) may indicate increased risk of Down syndrome
- Non-Pregnant Women (Follicular Phase): Typically 1.0-5.0 pg/mL or 1.0-4.0 IU/L Varies throughout the menstrual cycle
- Units of measurement: pg/mL (picograms per milliliter), ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter), or IU/L (International Units per liter); often expressed as MoM for prenatal screening
- Interpretation: Results within normal range for patient's age, cycle phase, and gestational age indicate typical hormone production; abnormal values may suggest chromosomal abnormalities or ovarian dysfunction
- Note: Reference ranges vary significantly between laboratories; consult specific lab reference intervals
- Interpretation
- Elevated Inhibin-A in Pregnancy: May indicate increased risk of Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) when combined with other markers (elevated hCG, low PAPP-A, low estriol); typically expressed as increased MoM values; should be interpreted with other second-trimester markers and maternal age
- Decreased Inhibin-A in Pregnancy: May suggest decreased risk of chromosomal abnormalities; important to assess in context of complete screening profile
- Low Inhibin-A in Non-Pregnant Women: May indicate diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, or poor ovarian response to stimulation; suggests reduced fertility potential
- Elevated Inhibin-A in Non-Pregnant Women: May indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), granulosa cell tumors, or normal menstrual cycle variations
- Factors Affecting Results: Maternal age, menstrual cycle phase, hormonal contraceptive use, insulin resistance, ovarian tumors, laboratory methodology variations, and specimen handling affect values
- Clinical Significance: Never interpreted in isolation; must be combined with other serum markers (hCG, PAPP-A, estriol, AFP in quadruple screen), ultrasound findings, and maternal age to calculate risk assessment; provides supporting evidence rather than definitive diagnosis
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organs: Ovaries (in women); placenta (during pregnancy); granulosa cells of ovarian follicles produce inhibin-A as hormone produced by female reproductive system
- Associated Organ Systems: Endocrine system (hormonal regulation); reproductive system (fertility and gamete production); nervous system (hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis)
- Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results: Chromosomal abnormalities (Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Patau syndrome), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), ovarian granulosa cell tumors, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), fertility disorders, irregular menstrual cycles
- Diseases Diagnosed/Monitored: Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), PCOS, premature ovarian insufficiency, granulosa cell tumors, anovulation
- Potential Complications/Risks Associated with Abnormal Results: Increased aneuploidy risk requiring further diagnostic testing; increased miscarriage risk; infertility challenges; need for assisted reproductive technologies; increased maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy; psychological distress from abnormal screening results
- Follow-up Tests
- If Abnormal Result in Pregnancy (Elevated Inhibin-A): Comprehensive ultrasound assessment (dating accuracy, multiple pregnancies, fetal anatomy); detailed obstetric ultrasound by maternal-fetal medicine specialist; non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) or cell-free DNA testing; amniocentesis for definitive karyotype if indicated; consultation with genetic counselor
- Complementary Second Trimester Markers: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A); Unconjugated estriol (uE3); Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for quadruple screen
- If Low Result in Non-Pregnant Women (Diminished Ovarian Reserve): Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) testing; Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH); Antral follicle count (AFC) via transvaginal ultrasound; estradiol and progesterone levels; thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4); prolactin level; assessment for PCOS
- Related Fertility Tests: Inhibin-B (follicular phase marker); Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS/AMH); Day 3 FSH and estradiol; luteal phase progesterone; androgen profiles
- Monitoring Frequency: PCOS: Annual or as clinically indicated; Premature ovarian insufficiency: Every 6-12 months; Abnormal prenatal screening: Urgent follow-up (within 1-2 weeks); Fertility assessment: Baseline testing, repeated on Day 3 of subsequent cycles if needed
- Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is NOT required for inhibin-A testing
- Blood Draw Timing: Can be performed at any time of day; for cycling women, collection during follicular phase (Days 1-5 of menstrual cycle) provides most clinically meaningful results for ovarian reserve assessment
- Medications to Avoid: No medications specifically need to be discontinued prior to testing; however, hormonal contraceptives may suppress inhibin-A levels; hormone replacement therapy or other hormonal treatments may affect results - inform healthcare provider of all medications
- Patient Preparation: Routine venipuncture only; no special preparation needed; patient may eat and drink normally; wear loose-fitting clothing to facilitate blood draw; inform phlebotomist of current medications and supplements
- Sample Collection: Single blood draw via venipuncture into appropriate collection tube (typically serum separator or plasma tube); sample should be handled gently and transported promptly to laboratory; protect from light exposure if specified by laboratory
- Special Considerations: For pregnant patients: Timing must be accurate (15-22 weeks gestation) for proper interpretation; dating ultrasound documentation essential; For non-pregnant patients: Document menstrual cycle day, hormonal contraceptive use, and relevant clinical history for laboratory interpretation
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