Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry Microsatellite Instability Panel Test

This test assesses microsatellite instability (MSI) in tumor tissue using immunohistochemistry to help guide cancer treatment decisions.

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: Results are typically available within 5 days for blocks and tissue biopsies, and 7 days for large complex tissue samples. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the sample is accompanied by a copy of the Histopathology report, the site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history.

Test priceKSh 20,000

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 Microsatellite Instability Panel 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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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.

✓Evaluation of colorectal cancer
✓Assessment of endometrial cancer
✓Investigation of other suspected MSI-High tumors
✓Diagnosis of Lynch syndrome
✓Guiding treatment decisions for cancer patients
✓Prognosis determination in cancer
✓Family history of hereditary cancers

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps oncologists determine the presence of microsatellite instability (MSI) in tumor tissue, which can guide treatment decisions, predict prognosis, and identify patients who may benefit from specific therapies like immunotherapy. It also aids in the diagnosis of hereditary cancer syndromes.

The Immunohistochemistry Microsatellite Instability Panel Test is a diagnostic procedure used in oncology to evaluate microsatellite instability (MSI) in tumor tissues. MSI is a condition where there are changes in the length of short DNA sequences called microsatellites, often due to problems with DNA mismatch repair. This test is particularly important for certain cancers, like colorectal cancer, as MSI status can influence treatment strategies and predict patient outcomes.

This test measures the expression levels of four key proteins involved in DNA mismatch repair: MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6, and PMS-2. Loss of expression in one or more of these proteins is often associated with MSI-High tumors.

Understanding MSI status is crucial for determining if a patient might benefit from specific therapies, such as immunotherapy, and for identifying potential hereditary cancer syndromes like Lynch syndrome.

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 →

PreparationNo specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the sample is accompanied by a copy of the Histopathology report, the site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history.

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

MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) is used to detect the expression of MLH-1, MSH-2, MSH-6, and PMS-2 proteins in the tumor tissue sample.

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

This test detects the absence of specific mismatch repair proteins. It does not directly measure MSI itself. Results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic findings. Confirm 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

MSI is a condition where short DNA sequences (microsatellites) change length more often than usual, often due to problems with DNA repair mechanisms in cells.

Knowing the MSI status of a tumor helps doctors choose the most effective treatments, predict how the cancer might behave, and identify patients who might benefit from immunotherapy.

A sample of the tumor tissue, typically in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block or a tissue biopsy, is required.

Turnaround time varies depending on the sample type, but results are generally available within 5 to 7 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

The results will indicate if the tumor shows loss of expression of one or more mismatch repair proteins, which is associated with MSI-High status. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health.

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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