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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunohistochemistry PDL1 SP142 Test

The Immunohistochemistry PDL1 SP142 Test assesses PD-L1 protein expression in tumor tissue, helping guide cancer treatment decisions, particularly for immunotherapy.

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
Sample Daily by 6 PM. Report Block: 5 days. Tissue Biopsy: 5 days. Tissue Large Complex: 7 days. 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 clinical history.
Test priceKSh 23,000

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 PDL1 SP142 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 considering immunotherapy options
  • ✓Assessing tumor immune environment
  • ✓Guiding personalized cancer treatment plans
  • ✓Evaluating potential response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors
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 certain immunotherapy treatments by measuring PD-L1 protein expression.
The Immunohistochemistry PDL1 SP142 Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used to evaluate the expression of the PD-L1 protein in tumor tissues. This test plays a crucial role in oncology, particularly in guiding treatment decisions for patients diagnosed with cancer. By understanding PD-L1 expression levels, oncologists can tailor immunotherapy treatments to improve patient outcomes.

This test measures the presence and extent of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) is a protein that can inhibit the immune response against tumors. High levels of PD-L1 may indicate that a patient could benefit from certain immunotherapies that target this pathway.

This test is recommended for patients diagnosed with various types of cancer, especially those considering immunotherapy options. Discuss with your doctor if this test is appropriate for you.

Benefits of taking this test include guiding oncologists in selecting appropriate immunotherapy treatments, helping understand the tumor's immune environment, providing valuable insights for personalized cancer care, and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
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 clinical history.
SampleTumor tissue in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using the SP142 antibody.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test measures PD-L1 expression in the provided tissue sample. Results may not predict response to all immunotherapies or reflect expression in other tumor sites. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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

PD-L1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1) is a protein found on some cancer cells that can help them evade the immune system.
This test helps doctors understand if a patient's cancer might respond well to certain types of immunotherapy drugs.
A sample of the tumor tissue, typically a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block or a tissue biopsy, is required.
Turnaround time varies depending on the sample type, typically ranging from 5 to 7 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and cancer diagnosis to determine the best treatment plan.
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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