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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry PD1 Test

The Immunohistochemistry PD1 Test evaluates PD1 protein expression in tumor tissues, helping determine suitability for immunotherapy in cancer patients.

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 a Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block.
Results
Typically 5 days for standard tissue biopsies, up to 7 days for large complex tissues. 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, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history.
Test priceKSh 14,000

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 PD1 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.

  • ✓Patients diagnosed with various types of cancer.
  • ✓Patients being considered for immunotherapy.
  • ✓Assessment of tumor immune microenvironment.
  • ✓Guiding personalized cancer treatment strategies.
  • ✓Evaluating potential response to PD1-targeted therapies.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps oncologists determine if a patient's tumor is likely to respond to immunotherapy treatments targeting the PD1 pathway.
The Immunohistochemistry PD1 Test is an essential diagnostic procedure in oncology, focusing on the evaluation of PD1 protein expression in tumor tissues. PD1, or programmed cell death protein 1, is a crucial checkpoint protein that plays a significant role in regulating the immune system's response to cancer cells. This test is vital for determining the appropriateness of immunotherapy treatments, which can significantly improve patient outcomes.

This test specifically measures the presence and levels of PD1 expression in tumor tissues, providing critical information that can influence treatment decisions for cancer patients. By analyzing the PD1 expression, oncologists can assess whether a patient is likely to benefit from specific immunotherapy agents that target this pathway.

This test is recommended for patients diagnosed with various types of cancer, particularly those who may be candidates for immunotherapy. Discuss with your oncologist if this test is appropriate for you.

Benefits of taking the test include guiding treatment decisions for immunotherapy, helping identify patients who may benefit from novel cancer treatments, enhancing understanding of tumor biology, and facilitating personalized medicine approaches in oncology.

After the test, patients will receive a detailed report outlining the PD1 expression levels in their tumor tissues. A high level of PD1 expression may indicate a favorable response to immunotherapy, while low levels may suggest alternative treatment options. It is essential to discuss the results with your oncologist to understand the implications for your treatment plan.
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 →
PreparationNo specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the sample is accompanied by a copy of the Histopathology report, site of biopsy, and relevant clinical history.
SampleTumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or a Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using specific antibodies to detect PD1 protein expression in tissue sections.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results must be interpreted by a qualified pathologist in conjunction with clinical information. The test measures PD1 expression in the provided tissue sample, which may not represent the entire tumor.
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

PD1 (programmed cell death protein 1) is a protein on immune cells that helps regulate the immune response. In cancer, PD1 can sometimes prevent the immune system from attacking tumor cells.
This test helps determine if a patient's cancer cells express PD1. This information can guide doctors in choosing the most effective treatments, especially immunotherapy drugs that target the PD1 pathway.
A sample of the tumor tissue, either in formalin-saline or as a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block, is required.
Results are typically available within 5 to 7 days, depending on the complexity of the sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
The results show the level of PD1 expression in the tumor. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your clinical history to determine the best course of treatment.
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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