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Medical Video: What Is the Role of Inhibin
Definition
What is inhibin-a hormone?
An inhibin A test is done to measure the amount of this hormone in the blood of a pregnant woman 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 maternal serum quadruple screening test. Usually done between 15 and 20 weeks, this test checks the levels of four substances in the blood of a pregnant woman. This test examines alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a type of estrogen (unconjugated estriol, or uE3), and hormone inhibin A. This substance's level — along with women's age and other factors — helps doctors estimate the chances of babies having certain birth problems or abnormalities.
When do I have to take the inhibin-a hormone?
The inhibin A test is done in addition to other tests to see if there is an opportunity for chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing the inhibin-a hormone?
Smoking may increase inhibin levels A. Obesity might reduce blood inhibin A levels. Quad test results, including inhibin A, depend on age, race, female body weight, and whether she has diabetes. It is important to understand that this test does not provide a definite 'yes' or 'no' answer, also whether the baby does experience Down syndrome. If the test shows a high risk of Down syndrome in infants, you will usually be offered a diagnostic test.
A diagnostic test is done before the baby is born to see if a developing baby does have Down syndrome. There are two types of prenatal diagnostic tests that apply: amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
Process
What should I do before undergoing the inhibin-a hormone?
You don't need to do anything before taking this test.
How is the hormone inhibin-a process?
The doctor will clean a small area in the arm or elbow with an antiseptic cloth or alcohol pad. In some cases, your doctor will tie an elastic belt around your upper arm to increase blood flow. This makes collecting blood from the arteries much easier. Your arm will then be pricked with a needle that the doctor inserts into the artery. A pipe that will collect blood is placed on the other end of the needle.
Once blood is taken, the doctor will take a needle and then use a cotton cloth and bandage to stop bleeding on the needle-pierced skin.
What should I do after undergoing the inhibin-a hormone?
You can return to normal activities after the test is complete. You will be told when you can take the test results. The doctor will explain the meaning of your test results. You must follow the doctor's instructions.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Inhibin A is made by the placenta during pregnancy.
Normal results means hormone levels of inhibin A are low or negative. Abnormal results mean hormone inhibin A levels are high or positive. Hormone levels must be reviewed again with a quad blood test.
All abnormal results will need to be discussed with the doctor.
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