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HelpTest Code INHB Inhibin B, Serum
Reporting Name
Inhibin B, SUseful For
Aiding in the diagnosis of granulosa cell tumors and mucinous epithelial ovarian tumors
Monitoring of patients with granulosa cell tumors and epithelial mucinous-type tumors of the ovary known to overexpress inhibin B
As an adjunct to follicle-stimulating hormone testing during infertility evaluation
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
For the initial evaluation of patients suspected of having a granulosa cell tumor of the ovary, order INHAB / Inhibin A and B, Tumor Marker, Serum. If the results of the profile show that either inhibin A or B are elevated, consider monitoring the patient with the individual tests, INHA / Inhibin A, Tumor Marker, Serum or INHB / Inhibin B, Serum.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days | ||
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
Males
<15 days: 68-373 pg/mL
15-180 days: 42-516 pg/mL
6 months-7 years: 24-300 pg/mL
8-30 years: 47-383 pg/mL
31-72 years: <358 pg/mL
>72 years: Not established
Females
≤12 years: <183 pg/mL
13-41 years Regular Cycle (Follicular Phase): <224 pg/mL
42-51 years Regular Cycle (Follicular Phase): <108 pg/mL
13-51 years Regular Cycle (Luteal Phase): <80 pg/mL
>51 years (Postmenopausal): <12 pg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83520
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| INHB | Inhibin B, S | 56940-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 88722 | Inhibin B, S | 56940-0 |
Interpretation
Inhibin B levels are elevated in approximately 89% to 100% of patients with granulosa cell tumors and in approximately 55% to 60% of patients with epithelial ovarian tumors. A normal inhibin B level does not rule out a mucinous or granulosa ovarian cell tumor. Testing for inhibin A in these cases might be informative. Consider ordering INHAB / Inhibin A and B, Tumor Marker, Serum.
For monitoring of patients with known ovarian cancer, inhibin B levels decrease to very low or undetectable levels shortly after surgery. Elevations of inhibin B after treatment are suggestive of residual, recurrent, or progressive disease. In patients with recurrent disease, inhibin B elevation seems to be present earlier than clinical symptoms. Patients in remission show normal levels of inhibin B.
For infertility evaluation, an inhibin B level in the postmenopausal range is suggestive of a diminished or depleted ovarian reserve.
Clinical Reference
1. Mom CH, Engelen MJA, Willemse PHB, 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;105(2):365-372
2. Robertson DM, Pruysers E, Jobling T. Inhibin as a diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett. 2007;249(1):14-17
3. Jamieson S, Fuller PJ. Management of granulosa cell tumour of the ovary. Curr Opin Oncol. 2008;20(5):560-564
4. Sturgeon C. Tumor markers. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:436-478
5. Yarbrough ML, Stout M, Gronowski AM. Pregnancy and its disorders. In: Rifai N, Horvath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2018:1655-1696
6. Makanji Y, Zhu J, Mishra R, et al. Inhibin at 90: from discovery to clinical application, a historical review. Endocr Rev. 2014;35(5):747-794. doi:10.1210/er.2014-1003
7. Walentowicz P, Krintus M, Sadlecki P, et al. Serum inhibin A and inhibin B levels in epithelial ovarian cancer patients. PLoS One. 2014;9(3):e90575. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0090575
Report Available
2 to 4 daysMethod Name
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Oncology Test Request (T729) with the specimen.