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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry CD38 Test

The Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry CD38 Test helps identify specific cell types related to blood cancers like multiple myeloma and leukemia. It measures the CD38 antigen on cells.

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
3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube, OR 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
No specific patient preparation is required for this blood or bone marrow test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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 CD38 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.

  • ✓Suspected multiple myeloma
  • ✓Diagnosis of certain leukemias
  • ✓Monitoring response to therapy for hematological cancers
  • ✓Evaluation of unexplained blood count abnormalities
  • ✓Assessment of plasma cell disorders
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis, classification, and monitoring of hematological malignancies, particularly those involving plasma cells and certain types of leukemia, by assessing the expression level of the CD38 antigen on cells.
The Immunophenotyping by Flow Cytometry CD38 Test is an advanced diagnostic procedure used primarily in oncology and hematology. This test helps identify specific cell populations within blood or bone marrow samples. Using flow cytometry, it provides precise insights into the presence of CD38, a marker often associated with various hematological malignancies.

This test measures the expression of the CD38 antigen on the surface of cells. CD38 is a glycoprotein involved in cell signaling and is often expressed at elevated levels in certain cancers. Analyzing CD38 levels helps healthcare providers understand the disease's status and progression.

Patients experiencing symptoms related to blood disorders or those at risk for hematological cancers should consider this test. Common symptoms include unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, unusual bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Individuals with a family history of blood cancers or those who have undergone previous cancer treatments may also benefit.

Benefits include accurate diagnosis, guidance for treatment decisions, and monitoring disease progression. Results indicate the level of CD38 expression; high levels may suggest certain malignancies, requiring discussion with your healthcare provider.
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 for this blood or bone marrow test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Sample3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube, OR 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.
This test measures CD38 expression but is not a standalone diagnostic tool. Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, other laboratory tests, and imaging studies. 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

CD38 is a protein found on the surface of certain cells, including some immune cells and cancer cells. Its levels can be elevated in specific blood cancers.
This test helps doctors diagnose, classify, and monitor certain blood cancers like multiple myeloma and some types of leukemia by measuring CD38 levels on cells.
A blood sample or a bone marrow sample is required for this test. Specific tube types are needed, as detailed in the specimen requirements.
Turnaround time can vary. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory before booking your test.
Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and other tests. High CD38 levels may indicate certain conditions, but further evaluation is usually needed.
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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