Inhibin A Test

The inhibin A test is done on a sample to measure the amount of this hormone in a pregnant woman's blood to check a if the down syndrome in the baby. This hormone is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Generally done between 15 and 20 weeks, this test checks the levels of four substances in a pregnant woman's blood: 1.alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) 2.human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG), 3.a type of estrogen 4.hormone inhibin A. The level of this hormone is used to determine various birth defects to the child during the pregnancy of a mother.

Make sure to wear a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that you can easily roll up.No special preparation needed for the Inhibin-A test. There’s no need to adjust your diet. You can both eat and drink normally. Tell your doctor if you have or had any allergies of some kind. However, your doctor may require that you fast for a specific amount of time before the test. That’s common if the blood sample is required for additional testing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

A normal result shows the level of the hormone Inhibin-A is low, or negative. An abnormal result shows the level of the hormone inhibin A is high and positive. The high level of the hormone must be screened with the quad screen blood tests. Things affecting your results are: 1. If you smoke (increase). 2. If you’re obese (decrease). If abnormal levels of inhibin-A are found you should to talk with your doctor or a genetic counselor. The test results can be abnormal, even if nothing is with the baby.

During this test, a lab technician will draw blood from a vein, generally from the inside of your elbow. The lab assistant will: 1.clean your skin with an antiseptic wipe. 2.place an elastic band around your upper arm to help the vein swell with blood. 3.insert a needle in the your and collects the required amount of blood. 4.cover the area with a bandage to stop any bleeding. 5.label your sample and send it to a lab for analysis.

LimitationsResults from this ultrasensitive inhibin A test are not interchangeable with values obtained using the inhibin A test that is available as part of LabCorp's prenatal screening profiles. This procedure may be considered by Medicare and other carriers as investigational and, therefore, may not be payable as a covered benefit for patients.

Average price range of the test is between Rs.1200 to Rs.4000 depending on the factors of city, quality and availablity.