Skip to main content
Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunophenotyping By Flow Cytometry CD117 Test

The Immunophenotyping By Flow Cytometry CD117 Test helps identify specific cell types in blood or bone marrow, aiding in the diagnosis and management of certain cancers, particularly hematological malignancies. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

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.

Ask a question
Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube AND 3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube, OR 2 mL (1 mL min.) Bone marrow in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Provide a brief clinical history on the test request form to aid in accurate interpretation.
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 Immunophenotyping By Flow Cytometry CD117 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.

+254

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.

  • ✓Suspicion of leukemia or lymphoma
  • ✓Diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)
  • ✓Monitoring response to cancer treatment
  • ✓Evaluating abnormal blood counts
  • ✓Investigating unexplained fatigue or recurrent infections
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of hematological malignancies and certain solid tumors expressing the CD117 marker. It helps guide treatment strategies, including the use of targeted therapies.
The Immunophenotyping By Flow Cytometry CD117 Test is a diagnostic tool used in oncology to identify specific cell populations in blood and bone marrow. It is particularly important in the context of hematological malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma. This test helps determine the presence of CD117, a marker associated with certain types of cancer, which guides treatment decisions.

This test specifically detects the CD117 (c-KIT) marker on cell surfaces. CD117 is a receptor tyrosine kinase often found in higher amounts in various cancers, including some leukemias and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Measuring this marker provides insights into the disease and potential responses to targeted therapies.

Patients experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, frequent infections, or abnormal blood counts may benefit from this test. Individuals with a family history of blood cancers or other relevant medical conditions might also be advised to consider it.

Benefits of this test include aiding in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of certain blood cancers, guiding treatment choices (including targeted therapies), monitoring disease progression, and supporting personalized medicine approaches.
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 brief clinical history on the test request form to aid in accurate interpretation.
Sample3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube AND 3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube, OR 2 mL (1 mL min.) Bone marrow in 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube.
MethodologyFlow Cytometry
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Test results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of the patient's clinical presentation and other laboratory findings. 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

CD117, also known as c-KIT, is a protein found on the surface of certain cells. It acts as a receptor and is often associated with specific types of cancer, including some leukemias and GISTs.
This test helps identify cells expressing CD117, which can aid in diagnosing certain cancers, classifying the type of cancer, and guiding treatment decisions.
You will need to provide a blood or bone marrow sample. It's helpful to provide your doctor with a brief clinical history to include with the test request.
A healthcare professional will interpret the results based on the presence or absence of CD117 on the cells. Discuss the results with your doctor for a full understanding.
Samples should be transported promptly to the laboratory under specific temperature conditions (18°C to 22°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze the sample.
We have branches in major cities across Kenya and offer home sample collection services. Please contact us to confirm availability in your area.
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.

Explore partnerships
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.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →
Chat on WhatsApp