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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry AFP Alpha Feto Protein Test

The Immunohistochemistry AFP Alpha Feto Protein Test helps detect and monitor certain cancers by measuring alpha-fetoprotein levels in tumor tissue. Essential for oncologists and pathologists.

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
Submit tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline OR Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block. Ship at room temperature. Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, Site of biopsy and Clinical history.
Results
Sample Daily by 6 pm; Report Block: 5 days; Tissue Biopsy: 5 days; Tissue Large Complex: 7 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, Site of biopsy and Clinical history. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 6,000

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 Immunohistochemistry AFP Alpha Feto Protein 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.

  • ✓Diagnosis of suspected liver cancer.
  • ✓Diagnosis of suspected germ cell tumors.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response in patients with AFP-producing cancers.
  • ✓Prognosis assessment in certain cancer types.
  • ✓Evaluation of liver masses.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of specific cancers, particularly liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and germ cell tumors, by detecting the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in tissue samples.
The Immunohistochemistry AFP Alpha Feto Protein Test is a vital diagnostic procedure used primarily in oncology to detect and monitor the presence of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in tumor tissues. AFP is a protein typically produced during fetal development, but elevated levels in adults can indicate certain cancers, particularly liver cancer and germ cell tumors. This test is essential for healthcare providers to evaluate tumor characteristics and guide treatment decisions.

This test specifically measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein in tumor tissue samples. By analyzing these levels, healthcare providers can gain insights into the presence and progression of cancers, enabling timely and effective intervention.

Interpreting the results requires a qualified healthcare professional. Elevated AFP levels may indicate the presence of cancer, while normal levels can suggest the absence of disease. However, results must be considered alongside clinical history and other diagnostic tests for a comprehensive evaluation.
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.

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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 →
PreparationProvide a copy of the Histopathology report, Site of biopsy and Clinical history. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleSubmit tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline OR Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block. Ship at room temperature. Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, Site of biopsy and Clinical history.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test measures AFP specifically in tissue samples. Results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation, imaging findings, and other laboratory tests. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by the liver and yolk sac of a developing fetus. Elevated levels in adults can be associated with certain types of cancer.
Measuring AFP directly in the tumor tissue provides specific information about the cancer cells themselves, which is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning.
This test is primarily used in the detection and monitoring of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and germ cell tumors.
You will need to provide the tumor tissue sample (biopsy or block) along with relevant clinical information, including the histopathology report and site of biopsy.
Turnaround time varies depending on the sample type, typically ranging from 5 to 7 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
A qualified healthcare professional, such as an oncologist or pathologist, will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and clinical picture.
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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