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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Biopsy Renal 3 Bottle Paraffin, IF, and EM

A comprehensive kidney tissue analysis using paraffin embedding, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy to diagnose various kidney diseases.

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
Three tissue samples collected during a kidney biopsy: one in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin, one in Phosphate Buffered Saline/Michel's Media, and one in 2% Glutaraldehyde.
Results
Results for histopathology are typically available within 5 days. Electron microscopy results may take up to 21 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. This test requires a kidney biopsy procedure performed by a qualified physician. Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding fasting or medication adjustments prior to the biopsy.
Test priceKSh 33,000

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 Biopsy Renal 3 Bottle Paraffin, IF, and EM 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.

  • ✓Unexplained kidney failure
  • ✓Blood or protein in urine
  • ✓Swelling in legs or ankles
  • ✓High blood pressure resistant to treatment
  • ✓Suspected kidney transplant rejection
  • ✓Diagnosis of specific kidney diseases like glomerulonephritis
  • ✓Monitoring progression of known kidney disease
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test provides detailed information about kidney structure and function, aiding in the diagnosis of various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and kidney transplant rejection. It helps determine the cause, severity, and appropriate treatment plan for kidney conditions.
The Biopsy Renal 3 Bottle Paraffin, IF, and EM test is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to evaluate kidney diseases. It involves collecting small samples of kidney tissue, which are then processed and examined under a microscope using different techniques to identify abnormalities and determine the cause of kidney problems. Understanding kidney health is important as the kidneys filter waste and maintain fluid balance in the body.

This test utilizes three different methods for a thorough analysis:

* **Paraffin Embedding (Histopathology):** Tissue is preserved and stained to examine its structure under a standard microscope. * **Immunofluorescence (IF):** Special stains are used to detect specific proteins or antibodies in the tissue, helping identify immune-related kidney diseases. * **Electron Microscopy (EM):** An electron microscope provides a highly magnified view of the tissue, revealing detailed structural changes at the cellular level.

This comprehensive approach helps doctors understand the specific type and severity of kidney disease.
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 →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. This test requires a kidney biopsy procedure performed by a qualified physician. Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding fasting or medication adjustments prior to the biopsy.
SampleThree tissue samples collected during a kidney biopsy: one in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin, one in Phosphate Buffered Saline/Michel's Media, and one in 2% Glutaraldehyde.
MethodologyHistopathology (Paraffin Embedding), Immunofluorescence (IF), and Electron Microscopy (EM) analysis of kidney tissue samples.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test requires an invasive procedure (kidney biopsy) which carries potential risks. Results interpretation requires expertise in renal pathology. The test may not identify all types of kidney disease.
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

A kidney biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of kidney tissue is removed using a needle, usually guided by ultrasound, for examination under a microscope.
Each bottle preserves the tissue sample for a different type of analysis: paraffin embedding for general structure, immunofluorescence for specific proteins, and electron microscopy for detailed cellular structure.
The biopsy procedure itself may cause some discomfort, but local anesthesia is typically used to minimize pain. Discuss pain management with your doctor.
You will need to rest after the biopsy. Your doctor will provide specific post-procedure instructions. Results will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider.
Yes, a doctor's prescription or referral is required to perform this test.
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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