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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry ALK1 Test

The Immunohistochemistry ALK1 Test detects ALK gene rearrangements in cancer tissues, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning, particularly for non-small cell lung 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
Tumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Ensure the sample is shipped at room temperature. Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, site of biopsy, and clinical history with the sample.
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 ALK1 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 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • ✓Identification of ALK-positive cancers
  • ✓Guiding targeted therapy selection
  • ✓Patients with specific cancer symptoms
  • ✓Patients with a family history of cancer
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Identifies ALK gene rearrangements in tumor tissue to guide targeted cancer therapy selection, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer.
The Immunohistochemistry ALK1 Test is a specialized diagnostic procedure designed to detect ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) gene rearrangements in tumor tissues. This test plays a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancer types, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). By identifying specific genetic markers, oncologists can customize treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.

This test measures the presence of ALK protein in cancer cells. The detection of ALK rearrangements is crucial, as it can significantly influence treatment options, including targeted therapies that can lead to better prognosis.

This test is recommended for patients diagnosed with specific types of cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It may also be considered for individuals exhibiting symptoms such as persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, or chest pain, or those with a family history of cancer or genetic predispositions. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or have risk factors, consult your oncologist about the necessity of this test.

Benefits of taking this test include helping in the early detection of ALK-positive cancers, guiding oncologists in selecting the most effective targeted therapies, improving overall patient management and treatment outcomes, and providing valuable information for clinical decision-making.

Results are typically available within 10 days. A positive result indicates the presence of ALK gene rearrangements, suggesting the potential benefit of targeted therapies. A negative result may indicate alternative treatment options. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding.
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 →
PreparationEnsure the sample is shipped at room temperature. Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, site of biopsy, and clinical history with the sample.
SampleTumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC)
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects ALK protein expression or gene rearrangement. Results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other diagnostic findings. 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

ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) is a gene. Rearrangements or mutations in this gene can lead to cancer growth, particularly in certain types of lung cancer.
Identifying ALK rearrangements helps doctors determine if a patient might benefit from specific targeted therapies designed to block the abnormal ALK protein.
A sample of the tumor tissue, typically a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block or a formalin-fixed tissue sample, is required.
Results are typically available within 10 days, but confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.
A positive result indicates ALK rearrangements are present, suggesting targeted therapy might be an option. A negative result means these rearrangements were not detected. Discuss results with your doctor.
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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