Inhibin Alpha Test

Inhibin Alpha is a mouse monoclonal antibody that is intended for laboratory use in the qualitative identification of the alpha subunit of inhibin protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissues. The clinical interpretation of any staining or its absence should be complemented by morphological studies using proper controls and should be evaluated within the context of the patient’s clinical history and other diagnostic tests by a qualified pathologist.

Antigen detection in tissues and cells is a multi-step immunohistochemical process. The initial step binds the primary antibody to its specific epitope. After labeling the antigen with a primary antibody, a secondary antibody is added to bind to the primary antibody. An enzyme label is then added to bind to the secondary antibody; this detection of the bound antibody is evidenced by a colorimetric reaction. The clinical interpretation of any positive or negative staining should be complemented by morphological studies using proper positive and negative internal and external controls as well as other diagnostic tests.

In women having trouble to see how well their ovaries are working, a low inhibin B level may suggest that the ovaries are not working well. In pregnant women having a quadruple or quad test to check the wellbeing of the developing baby, a high level of inhibin A, along with other unusual test results, suggests the possibility of the baby having a serious abnormality. In women being treated for a tumour of the ovary, the inhibin level should be low if the treatment is working well. In males (baby boys or men) a low inhibin B level suggests that the testicles may not be working well.

To test for levels of inhibin, a hormone involved in reproduction in men and women. In women, it is mainly produced by the ovaries and in pregnancy, also by the placenta. In men, it is mainly produced by the testicles. Inhibin tests include separate tests for the two forms of inhibin - inhibin A and inhibin B, as well as a test that measures both forms together - total inhibin, often simply known as inhibin. Most testing is performed for women. A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.