Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Effusion Cytology Cell Block

A minimally invasive test using Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) to examine fluid samples (effusions) for cellular abnormalities, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions like cancer.

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: Fluid sample collected via Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or other methods (e.g., thoracentesis, paracentesis). The sample should be submitted in a sterile container.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Generally, no specific preparation is required, but your doctor will provide instructions based on your individual situation. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners.

Test priceKSh 7,000

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 Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Effusion Cytology Cell Block 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.

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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.

✓Unexplained fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen, or around the heart
✓Investigation of suspected malignancy
✓Diagnosis of pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial effusions
✓Evaluation of inflammatory or infectious conditions affecting body cavities
✓Monitoring response to treatment in certain conditions

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose the cause of fluid accumulation in body cavities, particularly in the context of suspected cancer, infection, or inflammation. It provides cellular information crucial for determining the nature of the condition and guiding further management.

The Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Effusion Cytology Cell Block test, often called FNAC, involves collecting a sample of fluid from a body cavity using a fine needle. This procedure is used to investigate unexplained fluid buildup (effusions) in areas like the chest (pleural effusion), abdomen (peritoneal effusion), or around the heart (pericardial effusion). The collected fluid is processed into a cell block, which allows pathologists to examine the cells under a microscope. This test is particularly important in oncology for detecting cancerous cells, but it can also help identify infections or inflammatory conditions. It is a valuable tool for diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions.

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.

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A simple process

What happens next?

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

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

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.

Understand your report

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

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. Generally, no specific preparation is required, but your doctor will provide instructions based on your individual situation. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners.

SampleFluid sample collected via Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or other methods (e.g., thoracentesis, paracentesis). The sample should be submitted in a sterile container.

MethodologyCytology involves microscopic examination of cells prepared from the fluid sample. A cell block is created to preserve cell morphology for detailed analysis.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

The test relies on the quality and quantity of the collected sample. A non-diagnostic sample may require repeat aspiration. The test may not detect all types of cancer or other conditions. Results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic findings.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

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.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

FNAC is a procedure where a thin needle is used to collect cells or fluid from a part of the body for examination under a microscope.

FNAC is generally minimally invasive and discomfort is usually mild. Your doctor may use a local anesthetic to numb the area.

Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

This test helps diagnose the cause of fluid buildup, often used to detect cancer cells, infections, or inflammation in the fluid.

Yes, a doctor's prescription is typically required for this test.

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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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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