Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry Glutamine Synthetase Test

The Immunohistochemistry Glutamine Synthetase Test helps understand tumor biology and potential treatment responses by measuring glutamine synthetase levels in tumor tissue. Essential for 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 blocks.
Results: Typically 5 to 7 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, the site of the biopsy, and relevant clinical history. Ship sample at room temperature.

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 Glutamine Synthetase 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.

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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.

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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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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.

✓Cancer diagnosis
✓Assessment of tumor biology
✓Evaluation of potential treatment response
✓Monitoring treatment efficacy
✓Patients with unexplained weight loss or fatigue
✓Patients with unusual growths

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Aids in understanding tumor metabolism, assessing potential treatment responses, and informing personalized cancer treatment strategies.

The Immunohistochemistry Glutamine Synthetase Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used primarily in oncology. This test detects the presence and activity of glutamine synthetase in tumor tissues, providing crucial insights into tumor biology and potential responses to treatment. Understanding glutamine metabolism within a tumor can significantly influence therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes. This test measures the expression levels of glutamine synthetase, an enzyme vital for nitrogen metabolism, often overexpressed in various cancers. Analyzing tumor tissue samples helps healthcare providers understand the metabolic pathways active within the tumor, informing treatment decisions. This test is recommended for patients diagnosed with cancer or those experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or unusual growths. Individuals with risk factors, such as a family history of cancer or exposure to carcinogens, may also benefit from this evaluation. Taking this test provides critical information about tumor metabolism and biology, aids oncologists in tailoring personalized treatment plans, supports early detection and intervention, and facilitates monitoring of treatment efficacy. Results are typically available within 5 to 7 days. Discuss your results with your oncologist to fully understand their implications.

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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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

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.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

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, the site of the biopsy, and relevant clinical history. Ship sample at room temperature.

SampleTumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks.

MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) technique used to detect glutamine synthetase protein expression in tissue samples.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Confirm specific limitations with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

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.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Glutamine synthetase is an enzyme involved in nitrogen metabolism. Its levels can be elevated in certain types of cancer and may influence tumor growth and treatment response.

This test helps understand the metabolic characteristics of a tumor, which can guide oncologists in choosing the most effective treatment strategies.

The test requires a tissue sample, typically obtained from a biopsy or surgery, which is then processed and sent to the laboratory.

Results are typically available within 5 to 7 days, but this can vary. Confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.

The interpretation of results depends on the specific context of the patient's condition. Your doctor will explain the meaning of the results in relation to your diagnosis and treatment plan.

DNA Labs Kenya offers this test at various branches across Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Home sample collection may also be available.

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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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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