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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry CD163 Test

The Immunohistochemistry CD163 Test helps identify macrophage activity in tumor tissues, aiding in cancer diagnosis and treatment planning.

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 specimen is properly labeled. Ship at room temperature. Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history with the sample.
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 Immunohistochemistry CD163 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 and classification of certain cancers.
  • ✓Assessment of tumor microenvironment.
  • ✓Prognostic evaluation in specific cancer types.
  • ✓Guiding treatment strategies.
  • ✓Research purposes related to tumor immunology.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps assess the presence and activity of macrophages within a tumor microenvironment, which can influence tumor growth, progression, and response to therapy. It aids oncologists in understanding tumor biology and guiding treatment decisions.
The Immunohistochemistry CD163 Test is a diagnostic tool used in oncology to identify CD163, a marker associated with macrophages in tumor tissues. Understanding macrophage activity within a tumor microenvironment provides insights into tumor behavior and potential treatment responses. This test detects the expression of CD163, a receptor on macrophage surfaces. Analyzing CD163 levels in tumor samples helps medical professionals understand the immune response and tumor microenvironment, essential for effective cancer management. Patients diagnosed with cancer or those with symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, localized pain, or swelling, especially with a family history of cancer, may benefit from this test. The test enhances understanding of tumor biology, informs treatment planning, allows for personalized therapy approaches, and improves patient management. Results indicate the level of CD163 expression in the tumor sample. Your oncologist will interpret the results and guide further treatment steps.
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 specimen is properly labeled. Ship at room temperature. Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history with the sample.
SampleTumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies specific to the CD163 marker.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The interpretation of CD163 staining requires expertise and correlation with clinical and other pathological findings. Results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture.
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

CD163 is a protein found on the surface of certain immune cells called macrophages. It is used as a marker to identify these cells within tissues.
Macrophages can influence tumor growth and response to treatment. This test helps doctors understand the role of these cells in a specific tumor, which can inform diagnosis and treatment planning.
A sample of tumor tissue, typically a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block or a formalin-fixed biopsy specimen, is required.
Turnaround time varies depending on the sample type. Please confirm the specific timeframe with the laboratory before booking.
Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for this specific test.
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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