Inhibin B Test: Procedure, Purpose, Results, Normal range, Cost, Price, Online booking

What is Inhibin B test?

Inhibin B is a protein hormone secreted from the small, developing ovarian follicles (small fluid-filled sacs in the ovary that contains eggs) in females. Along with inhibin A, it regulates the secretion of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women; FSH is responsible for the development of ovarian follicles before the release of eggs during ovulation.

Inhibin B levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. The level of inhibin B at the beginning of the menstrual cycle is directly proportional to the health and number of the developing follicles in the ovary. Therefore, it is a good indicator of the ovarian reserve, which is an estimate of the number of follicles remaining in the ovary. Inhibin B can, thus, be used to assess fertility issues in females. Ovarian reserve of a woman also decides the chances she may have a baby if she participates in assisted reproductive technology.

Inhibin B levels are seen to be above normal in women with ovarian cancers such as granulosa cell tumours and mucinous epithelial cancer.

Why is Inhibin B test performed?
How do you prepare for Inhibin B test?
How is Inhibin B test performed?
Inhibin B test results and normal range

Why is Inhibin B test performed?

Ovarian cancer is called the silent disease as it is mostly detected after it has spread beyond the ovary. There are only a few serum cancer markers available to detect ovarian cancer at any stage, of which one is the inhibin B.

Inhibin B test is ordered for:

Diagnosing certain ovarian cancers such as the granulosa cell tumour.
Monitoring known cases of ovarian cancer for cancer progression.
Monitoring for residual ovarian cancer or relapse after treatment.
Evaluating the ovarian reserve and predicting whether the woman is suitable for ovulation-inducing drugs in the course of infertility treatment.

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How do you prepare for Inhibin B test?

Tell your doctor if you take any medicines regularly. Your doctor will tell you if you have to follow any specific schedule before the test.

How is Inhibin B test performed?

Your doctor will insert a sterile needle in a vein in your arm and withdraw a small amount of blood. You may feel a slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted, it will subside soon. Some people also get a slight bruise at the site, it is nothing to worry about.

If you have felt dizzy or faint during a blood test in the past, inform your doctor or nurse so that they can make you at ease.

This test is usually done on the third day of the menstrual cycle if you are being investigated for fertility issues.

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Inhibin B test results and normal range

Normal results

In males:

0-23 months: <430 pg/mL
2-4 years: <269 pg/mL
5-7 years: <184 pg/mL
8-10 years: <214 pg/mL
11-13 years: <276 pg/mL
14-17 years: <273 pg/mL
In adults: <399 pg/mL

In females:

0-23 months: <111 pg/mL
2-4 years: <44 pg/mL
5-7 years: <27 pg/mL
8-10 years: <67 pg/mL
11-13 years: <120 pg/mL
14-17 years: <136 pg/mL
In premenopausal adult women:
- Follicular: <139 pg/mL
- In the luteal phase: <92 pg/mL
In postmenopausal women: <10 pg/mL

Abnormal results:

Increased values of inhibin B may be used to diagnose ovarian cancers such as granulosa cell tumours or epithelial ovarian tumours. However, a normal inhibin B level does not rule out these tumours. Your doctor may ask you to get tested for inhibin A level as a part of further investigation.

(Read more: Inhibin A test)

While monitoring of patients who have ovarian cancer, inhibin B levels may be low immediately after surgery. Increased levels after treatment indicate progressive, recurrent or residual disease.

Inhibin B levels <10 pg/mL in women undergoing evaluation for infertility suggest reduced ovarian reserve.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.

References

Robertson DM, Pruysers E, Jobling T. Inhibin as a diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett 2007; 249:14-17. PMID: 17320281.
Mom CH, Engelen MJ, Willemse PH, et al. Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary: the clinical value of serum inhibin A and B levels in a large single center cohort. Gynecol Oncol 2007 May;105(2):365-372. PMID: 17306349.
South Tees Hospitals. NHS Foundation trust. National Health Service, U.K.; Inhibin (B)
Women and Infants: Care New England [Internet]. Care New England Health System. Providence, Rhode Island. USA; Inhibin B Test
National Health Service [internet]. UK; Blood Tests
Children's Minnesota [internet]. Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. U.S.; Inhibin B