Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is the inhibin-a hormone?
- When should I take the hormone inhibin-a?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking the hormone inhibin-a?
- Process
- What should I do before starting the hormone inhibin-a?
- How does inhibin-a hormone process?
- What should I do after taking the hormone inhibin-a?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
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Definition
What is the inhibin-a hormone?
An 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. Inhibin A levels in the blood are used in the maternal serum quadruple screening test. Usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks, this test checks the levels of four substances in the blood of a pregnant woman. This test checks alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a type of estrogen (unconjugated estriol, or uE3), and the hormone inhibin A. certain birth problems or abnormalities.
When should I take the hormone inhibin-a?
The inhibin A test is done in addition to other tests to see if there is a chance for a chromosomal problem, such as Down syndrome.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking the hormone inhibin-a?
Smoking may increase levels of inhibin A. Obesity might decrease levels of inhibin A in the blood. The results of a quad test, including inhibin A, depend on the woman's age, race, body weight, and whether she has diabetes. It is important to understand that this test does not give a definite "yes" or "no" answer, nor does the baby have Down's syndrome. If the test shows a high risk of Down's syndrome in your baby, you will usually be offered diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tests are done before the baby is born to see if a developing baby does have Down syndrome. Two types of prenatal diagnostic tests are applicable: amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
Process
What should I do before starting the hormone inhibin-a?
You don't need to do anything before undergoing this test.
How does inhibin-a hormone process?
The doctor will clean a small area on the arm or elbow with an antiseptic cloth or alcohol pad. In some cases, the doctor will tie an elastic band around your upper arm to increase blood flow. This makes collecting blood from the arteries much easier. Your arm will then be pierced with a needle that the doctor inserts into the vein. The tube that will collect blood is attached to the other end of the needle.
Once the blood is drawn, the doctor will take a needle and then use a cotton cloth and bandage to stop the bleeding from the needle pricked skin.
What should I do after taking the hormone inhibin-a?
You can return to normal activities after the test is complete. You will be notified when you can collect the test results. The doctor will explain what your test results mean. You must follow the doctor's instructions.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
Inhibin A is made by the placenta during pregnancy.
Normal result means low or negative levels of the hormone inhibin A. An abnormal result means high or positive levels of the hormone inhibin A. Hormone levels should be reviewed with a quad blood test.
All results are abnormal will need to be discussed with a doctor.
