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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

CA 125 Ovarian Cancer Marker Test

The CA 125 Ovarian Cancer Marker Test measures a protein level in the blood, often elevated in ovarian cancer. It is used for monitoring women at risk and assessing treatment response. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (serum)
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 2,808

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the CA 125 Ovarian Cancer Marker Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Monitoring women at risk of ovarian cancer
  • ✓Assessing response to ovarian cancer treatment
  • ✓Investigating symptoms suggestive of ovarian cancer (e.g., bloating, pelvic pain)
  • ✓Evaluating women with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is primarily used to monitor women at risk of ovarian cancer and to assess the response to treatment in patients already diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It is not typically used as a standalone screening tool for the general population.
The CA 125 Ovarian Cancer Marker Test is a blood test used primarily to monitor women who are at risk of ovarian cancer. It measures the level of CA 125, a protein that can be elevated in the presence of ovarian cancer. Early detection is important for improving treatment outcomes.

This test specifically measures the concentration of the CA 125 protein in your blood. While high levels can suggest ovarian cancer, they can also be raised by other conditions like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or even menstruation.

Women who might consider this test include those with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, those experiencing symptoms like persistent abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, or difficulty eating, or individuals with known risk factors. It's important to discuss with your doctor if this test is right for you.

Benefits of the test include aiding in the early detection of ovarian cancer, monitoring how well treatment is working for diagnosed patients, and providing valuable information for managing risk.

It's crucial to understand that test results need interpretation by a healthcare professional. A normal result doesn't completely rule out cancer, and elevated levels can indicate various conditions. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend any necessary next steps.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special preparation is required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleBlood sample (serum)
MethodologyImmunoassay
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Elevated CA 125 levels can be caused by conditions other than ovarian cancer. A normal level does not rule out cancer. This test is not recommended for routine screening in the general population.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

The test measures the level of CA 125, a protein found in the blood that can be elevated in women with ovarian cancer, among other conditions.
This test is primarily used for monitoring women at risk or already diagnosed with ovarian cancer, not typically for screening the general population.
Elevated levels can indicate ovarian cancer, but also other conditions like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Your doctor will interpret the results.
No special preparation, such as fasting, is typically required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
The test is not perfectly accurate on its own. Results must be interpreted by a doctor considering your overall health and risk factors.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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