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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry Cytokeratin20 CK20 Test

The Immunohistochemistry Cytokeratin20 (CK20) Test helps identify specific proteins in tumor tissue, aiding in cancer diagnosis and management.

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
No specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the sample is correctly collected and labeled by a healthcare professional.
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 Cytokeratin20 CK20 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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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 gastrointestinal cancers.
  • ✓Diagnosis of suspected urinary tract cancers.
  • ✓Evaluation of metastatic tumors of unknown origin.
  • ✓Assisting in the classification of certain epithelial tumors.
  • ✓Guiding treatment decisions based on tumor characteristics.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Aids in the diagnosis and classification of certain cancers, particularly gastrointestinal and urothelial carcinomas. Helps differentiate between primary tumors and metastases.
The Immunohistochemistry Cytokeratin20 (CK20) Test is a diagnostic procedure used primarily in oncology. It evaluates the presence of the CK20 protein in tumor tissues. This test is important for identifying certain types of cancers, particularly those related to the gastrointestinal tract and urinary bladder. Understanding CK20 expression helps doctors make informed decisions about patient care and treatment.

This test measures the amount of Cytokeratin20 protein in tumor tissue samples. CK20 is a protein found in specific epithelial tissues and can be overexpressed in various cancers. Detecting CK20 helps differentiate between different tumor types and determine their origin.

This test is typically recommended for patients with suspected gastrointestinal or urinary tract cancers, those with a history of cancer where CK20 status impacts treatment, or individuals being evaluated for metastatic disease with an unknown primary site.
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 →
PreparationNo specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the sample is correctly collected and labeled by a healthcare professional.
SampleTumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies specific to Cytokeratin20.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings, imaging, and other laboratory tests. This test is not a standalone diagnostic tool.
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

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a laboratory technique that uses antibodies to detect specific proteins within tissue samples.
Cytokeratin20 (CK20) is a protein often found in cells lining the intestines and urinary tract. Its presence or absence in a tumor can help identify the tumor's origin.
This test helps doctors accurately diagnose the type of cancer, determine if it has spread, and choose the most effective treatment plan.
A tissue sample, usually obtained during a biopsy or surgery, is required for this test. Your doctor will arrange the sample collection.
Results typically indicate whether CK20 protein was detected in the tissue sample. Your doctor will explain what the results mean for your specific situation.
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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