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Dermatology Testing

Histopathology Direct Immunofluorescence DIF Skin Conjunctival Biopsy IgG Test

A specialized test using Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) on skin or conjunctival biopsies to detect IgG antibodies, aiding in the diagnosis of autoimmune skin and eye disorders.

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: Skin or conjunctival biopsy specimen, minimum 3 mm in size, transported in buffered normal saline.
Results: Results are typically available within 4 working days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required, but ensure the biopsy is collected and transported correctly as per laboratory guidelines. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 1,287

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 Histopathology Direct Immunofluorescence DIF Skin Conjunctival Biopsy IgG 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 autoimmune skin disorders (e.g., pemphigus, pemphigoid)
✓Suspected autoimmune eye disorders
✓Unexplained persistent skin rashes or lesions
✓Evaluation of vasculitis affecting skin or eyes
✓Diagnosis of certain connective tissue diseases with skin manifestations

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to help diagnose autoimmune blistering diseases, vasculitis, and other immune-mediated skin and eye disorders by detecting IgG deposits in tissue.

The Histopathology Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) Skin Conjunctival Biopsy IgG Test is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to investigate certain skin and eye conditions. This test helps identify the presence of specific IgG antibodies within tissue samples taken from the skin or conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye). By using fluorescence microscopy, the test can detect these antibodies, which are often associated with autoimmune diseases or specific infections affecting these areas. This information is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately diagnose conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment plan. The test involves examining a biopsy specimen under a fluorescence microscope to visualize the location and pattern of antibody deposition.

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.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

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.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

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, but ensure the biopsy is collected and transported correctly as per laboratory guidelines. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

SampleSkin or conjunctival biopsy specimen, minimum 3 mm in size, transported in buffered normal saline.

MethodologyDirect Immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy on frozen tissue sections.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

The test detects IgG antibodies only; other immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, C3) may also be involved in certain conditions and require additional testing. Results must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings and other investigations. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

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.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

DIF is a laboratory technique that uses fluorescently labeled antibodies to detect specific proteins, like IgG antibodies, within tissue samples.

A biopsy provides a tissue sample directly from the affected area (skin or conjunctiva) for examination, allowing for the detection of antibody deposits within the tissue itself.

A positive result indicates the presence of IgG antibodies in the tissue sample. This may suggest an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, but requires interpretation by a healthcare professional in the context of your clinical picture.

The biopsy specimen should be placed in buffered normal saline and transported to the laboratory promptly to maintain tissue integrity for accurate testing.

The test itself is not painful as it involves analyzing a tissue sample. However, the biopsy procedure to obtain the sample may cause some discomfort. Discuss this with your doctor.

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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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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