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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

CA 199 Pancreatic Cancer Marker Test

The CA 199 Pancreatic Cancer Marker Test measures levels of the CA 19-9 antigen in the blood to help detect and monitor pancreatic cancer. 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
2 mL (minimum 0.5 mL) of serum collected in an SST tube.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Results are typically available within one day.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. No specific fasting is typically required, but follow any instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 3,159

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 199 Pancreatic 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.

  • ✓Individuals with symptoms suggestive of pancreatic cancer (e.g., jaundice, abdominal pain, weight loss).
  • ✓Patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response in diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients.
  • ✓Evaluating pancreatic conditions like pancreatitis or bile duct obstruction.
  • ✓Individuals with risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used as an aid in the detection and monitoring of pancreatic cancer. It measures the level of the CA 19-9 tumor marker in the blood.
The CA 199 Pancreatic Cancer Marker Test is a diagnostic tool used to help detect and monitor pancreatic cancer. It measures the level of CA 19-9, a tumor marker that can be elevated in individuals with pancreatic cancer. Early detection is important for improving treatment outcomes.

This test specifically measures the concentration of the CA 19-9 antigen in a blood sample. Elevated levels may suggest the presence of pancreatic cancer, but can also be associated with other conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis or bile duct obstruction.

This test may be considered for individuals experiencing symptoms like jaundice, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. It may also be relevant for those with a family history of pancreatic cancer or other risk factors.

Taking this test can aid in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, allowing for timely intervention. It also helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment for patients already diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, providing valuable information for healthcare providers managing patient care.

Results are typically available within a day. Normal levels are usually below 37 U/mL. Elevated levels may require further investigation, such as imaging or biopsies. It is crucial to discuss your results with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and guidance.
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 →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. No specific fasting is typically required, but follow any instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.
Sample2 mL (minimum 0.5 mL) of serum collected in an SST tube.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Typically involves immunoassay methods to measure CA 19-9 antigen levels.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Elevated CA 19-9 levels can be caused by conditions other than pancreatic cancer, such as pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction, or other cancers. Not all pancreatic cancers produce CA 19-9. This test is not suitable for screening 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

CA 19-9 stands for Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9. It is a protein that can be found in higher-than-normal amounts in the blood of some people with pancreatic cancer.
No, an elevated CA 19-9 level does not automatically mean you have cancer. Other conditions can also cause elevated levels. Further tests are needed for a diagnosis.
This test is generally not recommended for screening the general population for pancreatic cancer due to its limitations.
If your results are abnormal, your doctor will discuss the findings with you and may recommend further tests, such as imaging studies or biopsies, to determine the cause.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Typically, fasting is not required, but it's best to follow any specific instructions given by your doctor or the lab.
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.

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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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