Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Histopathology Special Stain Amyloid Congo Red Test

This test uses a special stain to identify amyloid deposits in tissue samples, aiding in the diagnosis of amyloidosis and related conditions.

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: Tissue biopsy (in 10% formal saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block) or Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) specimen (alcohol-fixed smears on four glass slides, air-dried).
Results: Reports are typically available within 3 working days after sample receipt. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required for the tissue sample collection itself, as this is typically performed by a physician. Ensure your doctor is aware of your medical history and any medications you are taking.

Test priceKSh 1,263

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 Special Stain Amyloid Congo Red 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.

Full name *

Mobile number *

+254

Insurer or scheme

Policy / member number (optional)

Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

WhatsApp the claims team Call us

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 amyloidosis based on clinical symptoms.
✓Unexplained organ dysfunction (e.g., kidney, heart, liver).
✓Evaluation of tissue biopsies showing unusual deposits.
✓Family history of amyloidosis.
✓Monitoring response to amyloidosis treatment.
✓Diagnosis of specific types of amyloidosis.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to confirm the presence of amyloid deposits in tissue biopsies, which is essential for diagnosing various forms of amyloidosis. It helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression.

The Histopathology Special Stain Amyloid Congo Red Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of amyloid deposits within tissue samples. Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal proteins, called amyloid, build up in tissues and organs, potentially causing significant health problems. This test uses a specific staining technique with Congo red dye to make these amyloid deposits visible under a microscope, assisting pathologists in diagnosing amyloidosis and differentiating it from other conditions. Understanding the presence and location of amyloid is crucial for effective patient management.

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 →

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 for the tissue sample collection itself, as this is typically performed by a physician. Ensure your doctor is aware of your medical history and any medications you are taking.

SampleTissue biopsy (in 10% formal saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block) or Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) specimen (alcohol-fixed smears on four glass slides, air-dried).

MethodologyHistopathology using special staining. A tissue sample is processed, sectioned, and stained with Congo red dye. The stained tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to identify characteristic amyloid deposits, often showing apple-green birefringence under polarized light.

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

This test detects the presence of amyloid but may not always identify the specific type of amyloid protein. Further tests may be needed for definitive classification. The accuracy depends on the quality of the tissue sample provided.

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

Amyloidosis is a group of rare diseases characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins called amyloid in various organs and tissues, which can impair their function.

This test is used to visually confirm the presence of amyloid deposits in a tissue sample, which is essential for diagnosing amyloidosis when suspected based on symptoms or other tests.

A tissue biopsy or a Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) sample is required. Your doctor will determine the appropriate sample based on your condition.

A pathologist examines the stained tissue under a microscope. A positive result indicates the presence of amyloid deposits. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

While this test confirms the presence of amyloid, further specialized tests are often needed to determine the specific type of amyloid protein involved.

Results are generally available within 3 working days. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.

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

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