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Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry CD117 Test

The Immunohistochemistry CD117 Test helps identify specific cancer markers, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning for certain malignancies like GISTs.

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 sample in 10% formal-saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block.
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
No specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the submitted tissue sample is correctly labeled and accompanied by relevant clinical information.
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 CD117 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.

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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 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
  • ✓Classification of certain malignancies
  • ✓Guiding treatment decisions based on CD117 expression
  • ✓Assessing prognosis in specific cancers
  • ✓Investigating unexplained symptoms potentially related to cancer
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis and classification of certain cancers, particularly GISTs, by detecting the CD117 protein. It helps guide treatment decisions and assess prognosis.
The Immunohistochemistry CD117 Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used primarily in oncology. It detects the presence of the CD117 protein (also known as c-KIT) in tumor tissues. This test is essential for determining the nature of certain cancers, particularly gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and other malignancies where CD117 expression plays a critical role in treatment decisions. Understanding the expression of this protein can significantly influence the management and therapeutic strategies for patients.

This test measures the presence and level of the CD117 protein in tumor tissue samples. High levels of CD117 can indicate the presence of specific types of cancer, guiding oncologists in making informed decisions regarding treatment options.

Patients who may benefit from the Immunohistochemistry CD117 Test include individuals diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), patients with other cancers where CD117 expression is relevant, those experiencing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, or gastrointestinal bleeding, and patients with a family history of cancers linked to CD117.
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 specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the submitted tissue sample is correctly labeled and accompanied by relevant clinical information.
SampleTumor tissue sample in 10% formal-saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies specific to the CD117 protein.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The test detects the presence of the CD117 protein but does not provide information on all aspects of the cancer. Results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture. 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

CD117, also known as c-KIT, is a protein found on the surface of certain cells. Its presence in tumor tissue can help identify specific types of cancer.
IHC is a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins (like CD117) in tissue samples.
The CD117 protein is typically present in GISTs. Detecting it helps confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment, including the use of targeted therapies.
A tumor tissue sample, either in 10% formal-saline or as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block, is required.
Turnaround time varies depending on the sample type, typically ranging from 5 to 7 days. Please confirm the specific timeframe with the laboratory.
DNA Labs Kenya has branches in major cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Home sample collection may also be available.
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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