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Medical information Clinical review pending

Cytogenetics

Pdl1 Dako

The PDL1 Dako test measures the expression of the PD-L1 protein in tumor cells, helping determine suitability for certain cancer immunotherapy treatments.

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 sample (biopsy). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for this test. Ensure the referring physician provides adequate clinical information and the correct specimen.
Test priceKSh 40,000

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 Pdl1 Dako 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 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • ✓Patients diagnosed with melanoma
  • ✓Patients being considered for immunotherapy treatment
  • ✓Patients whose cancer type may express PD-L1
  • ✓Patients with symptoms suggestive of cancer
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps oncologists determine if a patient's cancer is likely to respond to immunotherapy drugs that target the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. It aids in selecting the most appropriate treatment strategy.
The PDL1 Dako test is a diagnostic tool used in oncology to measure the amount of PD-L1 protein present on tumor cells. This information is crucial for guiding treatment decisions, particularly regarding the use of immunotherapy. Understanding PD-L1 expression can help doctors select the most effective therapies for individual cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes. This test is often used for specific types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma. Discuss with your doctor if this test is appropriate for your situation.
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 test. Ensure the referring physician provides adequate clinical information and the correct specimen.
SampleTumor tissue sample (biopsy). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) using a specific antibody to detect PD-L1 protein expression on tumor cells.
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 tumor sample. Results may not reflect the entire tumor or potential changes over time. Interpretation requires clinical correlation.
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 the surface of some cells, including cancer cells. It interacts with the PD-1 protein on immune cells, which can help cancer cells evade the immune system.
Measuring PD-L1 levels helps doctors predict whether a patient's cancer might respond well to certain types of immunotherapy drugs called PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
It is commonly used for non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, but may be relevant for other cancer types as well. Your doctor will determine if it's appropriate for you.
The test requires a sample of tumor tissue, usually obtained through a biopsy performed by your doctor.
Results indicate the level of PD-L1 expression. Higher levels often suggest a better potential response to specific immunotherapies. Your oncologist will explain what the results mean for your 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.

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.

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