Inhibin A

Inhibin A: Price, Purpose, Range & Reports 

Test Overview

The Inhibin A blood test measures the level of a protein hormone predominantly produced by the ovaries in females and, to a lesser extent, by the testes in males. In women, its measurement serves two critical, distinct purposes: as a tumour marker for certain ovarian cancers and as a component of the prenatal screening (quad screen or triple screen) for fetal chromosomal abnormalities.
Because Inhibin A plays a central role in regulating Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) release, it is also useful in assessing ovarian reserve and function. If you are searching for the Inhibin A test price or a reliable lab near me, Apollo 24|7 offers access to specialised hormone testing with secure and timely report delivery.

What is the Inhibin A Test?

The Inhibin A test is a quantitative serum immunoassay used to measure the concentration of the bioactive dimeric protein hormone, Inhibin A. This hormone is part of the inhibin family (Inhibin A and Inhibin B), which selectively suppresses the secretion of FSH by the pituitary gland.

In non-pregnant women, Inhibin A levels fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, peaking during the mid-luteal phase. However, for diagnostic purposes, the test is specifically used in two major contexts:

• Tumour Marker: Elevated and sustained levels are highly suggestive of certain malignant ovarian tumours, particularly those arising from granulosa cells or mucinous tissues.
• Prenatal Screening: During the second trimester of pregnancy, abnormally high Inhibin A levels, along with other markers, are associated with an increased risk of the fetus having Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).

What is the Inhibin Price?

The cost of the Inhibin A test reflects the specialised nature of the immunoassay required to measure this specific dimeric protein and its critical clinical applications as both a cancer marker and a complex prenatal screening component.

Factors Affecting the Test Cost

The final price is influenced by these essential quality and service factors:

• Immunoassay Complexity: Inhibin A must be accurately differentiated from Inhibin B, requiring highly specific and often costly immunoassay kits (e.g., ELISA or chemiluminescence).
• Clinical Significance: The fee covers analysis performed at NABL-accredited Apollo laboratories, ensuring the precision required for reliable diagnosis in high-stakes contexts like oncology and prenatal risk assessment.
• Context of Testing: The price may vary based on whether it is ordered as a standalone tumour marker or as part of a multi-marker prenatal screening panel (like the Quad Screen).
• Location: Prices may differ slightly between cities due to regional operating costs and logistics.

To find the most accurate and current Inhibin A price near me, please check the Apollo 24|7 app or website for real-time pricing specific to your location.

What is the Purpose of the Inhibin Test?

The purpose of the Inhibin A test varies significantly depending on the clinical context in which it is ordered.

• Ovarian Cancer Surveillance (Oncology): To aid in the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of non-epithelial ovarian tumours, particularly Granulosa Cell Tumours and Mucinous Ovarian Carcinomas. Elevated Inhibin A levels usually decrease after successful tumour removal.
• Prenatal Screening: To estimate the risk of Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) in the fetus during the second trimester (typically 15 to 20 weeks of gestation), where high Inhibin A is a key indicator.
• Fertility Assessment: Occasionally used, alongside Inhibin B and FSH, to evaluate ovarian reserve in women undergoing fertility treatments.
• Testicular Tumours (Rare): Less commonly, Inhibin A (and B) can be used as a marker for certain testicular tumours in men.

Who Should Get the Inhibin A Test Done?

This test is primarily ordered by Oncologists, gynaecologists, and Obstetricians, depending on the reason for testing.

You may be advised to take this test if:

• You are a non-pregnant woman with a suspected or confirmed Granulosa Cell Tumour or Mucinous Ovarian Carcinoma.
• You are a patient undergoing treatment for an Inhibin A-producing tumour to monitor treatment efficacy or detect recurrence.
• You are pregnant and in your second trimester (usually between weeks 15-20), as part of the Quad Screen or Triple Screen to assess the risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities.
• You are undergoing an infertility evaluation, and your physician needs to assess your ovarian reserve.

Components of Inhibin A

The Inhibin A test is focused on the quantitative measurement of a specific dimeric protein hormone in the blood. The test is performed for:

• INHIBIN A: This parameter measures the concentration of the Inhibin A hormone, which is used as a key tumour marker for certain ovarian cancers and as a critical component in second-trimester prenatal screening for Down Syndrome.

Understanding an Inhibin A Report

The interpretation of the Inhibin A result is highly dependent on whether the patient is pregnant or non-pregnant. Results are usually reported in pg/mL or ng/L. The reporting formats and reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories, depending on the analytical method used.

Non-Pregnant (Oncology/Fertility) Interpretation

For non-pregnant patients, the reference range is generally very low. Normal levels are typically less than 7.0 pg/mL in men and post-menopausal women. Pre-menopausal women have cyclical variations.

Pregnant (Second Trimester Screening) Interpretation

In the second trimester, the Inhibin A result is typically expressed as a Multiple of the Median (MoM), which compares the patient's result to the median value for that specific week of gestation.
Result (Pregnant, Second Trimester)

Interpretation Note: For oncology, the magnitude of elevation correlates with tumour bulk. For prenatal screening, an isolated high Inhibin A MoM does not diagnose Down Syndrome; it only indicates a heightened risk, requiring further definitive testing (e.g., NIPT or amniocentesis).

Preparation and Procedure for the Inhibin A Test

The test requires a standard blood draw with minimal preparation, but timing is crucial in a prenatal context.

How Is the Inhibin Test Performed?

A small blood sample is collected by a trained phlebotomist from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate the serum, and the concentration of the Inhibin A protein is measured using a sensitive immunoassay technique.

Is Fasting Needed Before the Test?

No, fasting is generally not required for the Inhibin A test.

Can Medications Affect the Test Results?

Yes. Hormone-related medications, especially those used in fertility treatments (e.g., ovarian stimulation drugs), can significantly impact Inhibin A levels. It is crucial to inform your physician and the lab about all current medications, hormonal birth control, and supplements.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Test?

For prenatal screening, the test must be performed strictly within the specific gestational window (usually weeks 15-20) for the MoM calculation to be accurate. For fertility assessment, the timing may be guided by the menstrual cycle phase. For tumour monitoring, the timing is not critical.

How Frequently Is the Test Needed?

For cancer monitoring, the test may be performed periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months) to monitor remission or recurrence. For prenatal screening, it is typically performed only once during the second trimester.

Booking the Inhibin A Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies the process of scheduling this specialised test and accessing your results.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for Inhibin A (or the relevant prenatal screening panel).
2. Review the latest test price for your city and click the ‘Book Now’ button.
3. Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for the blood sample collection.
4. Complete the secure online payment. You will receive immediate confirmation and preparation details.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 accounts using your registered phone number or email ID.
2. Go to the ‘Health Records’ or ‘My Reports’ section on your dashboard.
3. Click on the test name to view your detailed, NABL-certified report, which will include the Inhibin A concentration (or MoM value if pregnant).
4. You can easily view the report online or download it in PDF format to share instantly with your physician.

Conclusion

The Inhibin A test is a high-value diagnostic tool due to its dual application: it serves as an essential tumour marker for specific ovarian cancers and as a critical component of non-invasive prenatal risk assessment for Down Syndrome. Its accurate measurement, particularly in the oncology setting, is vital for managing treatment and surveillance. Regardless of the context, precise testing and expert interpretation are key to leveraging Inhibin A levels to make informed clinical decisions and guide patient management.