Inhibin A (Serum or Plasma)
This test measures the level of inhibin A, a hormone produced by the ovaries and testes that plays a role in reproductive health.
["Inhibin A helps assess ovarian reserve and fertility in women and may be used in reproductive medicine evaluations."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87426-3
- Short code
- Inhibin A + B Pnl SerPl
- Synonyms
- Inhibin A + B Pnl SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Inhibin A Used For?
Inhibin A is primarily measured in blood serum or plasma to evaluate ovarian function, particularly in women undergoing fertility treatments or those with suspected ovarian disorders. It can also help track progress during fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Who Might Need This Test?
A healthcare provider may recommend this test if you are undergoing fertility evaluation, experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, or have symptoms like irregular periods, pelvic pain, or concerns about ovarian reserve. Men may also have it checked if they have unexplained infertility or conditions affecting testosterone production.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed into either serum (liquid part after clotting) or plasma (liquid part after centrifugation) for testing. The test uses an immunoassay method to detect inhibin A levels.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in international units per liter (IU/L) or similar units. While reference ranges can vary by lab, higher levels may indicate normal ovarian function, while lower levels could suggest reduced ovarian reserve or other conditions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Inhibin A
Frequently asked questions
Why might my inhibin A levels be checked?
What does a low inhibin A level mean?
Can inhibin A levels change with age?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy