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Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry LMWCK Test

The Immunohistochemistry LMWCK Test helps identify specific proteins in cancer tissues, aiding in 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 sample. This can be in 10% formal-saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Provide a copy of the Histopathology report, the site of the biopsy, and your clinical history prior to the test. No patient fasting is required.
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 LMWCK 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 certain cancers
  • ✓Classification of tumor types
  • ✓Guiding cancer treatment decisions
  • ✓Monitoring response to cancer therapy
  • ✓Evaluating tumor characteristics
  • ✓Patients with unexplained symptoms suggestive of cancer
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis and classification of certain types of cancer by detecting specific protein markers (low molecular weight cytokeratins) in tumor tissue. It helps guide treatment decisions and understand tumor characteristics.
The Immunohistochemistry LMWCK Test is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to evaluate cancerous tissues. It uses immunohistochemical techniques to detect specific low molecular weight cytokeratins (LMWCK) in tumor samples. This information helps oncologists make informed decisions about patient management. Understanding the presence and type of proteins in cancer cells can significantly influence treatment strategies and prognosis.

This test measures the expression of low molecular weight cytokeratins in tumor tissue samples. Identifying these proteins provides insights into the tumor's origin and behavior, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Patients diagnosed with cancer, or those experiencing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, or changes in bodily functions, may benefit from this test. It is particularly relevant for individuals with risk factors such as a family history of cancer or exposure to carcinogens.

Benefits of this test include providing critical information for cancer diagnosis, aiding in determining effective treatment options, helping monitor disease progression or response to therapy, and offering insights into tumor characteristics to guide clinical decisions.

Results will be interpreted by an oncologist in the context of your overall health and treatment plan. Discuss your results thoroughly with your doctor to understand their implications.

To ensure accurate results, please provide a copy of the Histopathology report, the biopsy site, and your clinical history before the test. Samples should include tumor tissue in 10% formal-saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks and should be shipped at room temperature.
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 →
PreparationProvide a copy of the Histopathology report, the site of the biopsy, and your clinical history prior to the test. No patient fasting is required.
SampleTumor tissue sample. This can be in 10% formal-saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) technique using antibodies specific to low molecular weight cytokeratins.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Test results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. The presence or absence of LMWCK does not provide a complete picture of the cancer.
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.
LMWCK are proteins found in certain types of cells, including some cancer cells. Detecting them can help identify the type and origin of a tumor.
The sample is typically a piece of tumor tissue obtained during a biopsy or surgery. It should be preserved in formalin or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks.
A pathologist or oncologist will interpret the test results in the context of your medical history and other diagnostic information.
The test itself is performed on a tissue sample and is not painful. The biopsy procedure to obtain the sample may cause discomfort.
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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