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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Histopathology Special Stain Van Giesons Test

The Histopathology Special Stain Van Giesons Test helps identify collagen and elastin fibers in tissue samples, aiding in the diagnosis of connective tissue 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.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Submit tissue biopsy in 10% formal saline or formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue block or FNAC specimen, alcohol fixed smeared onto 4 glass slides and air dried. Ship at room temperature.
Results
Report available in 3 working days after sample receipt.
Preparation
A brief clinical history in Histopathology Requisition Form (Form 2) is mandatory.
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 Van Giesons 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.

  • ✓Diagnosis of connective tissue disorders
  • ✓Assessment of fibrosis
  • ✓Evaluation of tissue biopsies
  • ✓Monitoring disease progression
  • ✓Guiding treatment decisions
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids pathologists in evaluating tissue composition, particularly collagen and elastin fibers, which is crucial for diagnosing connective tissue disorders and assessing tissue health.
The Histopathology Special Stain Van Giesons Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used in surgical pathology. It helps pathologists identify and evaluate the composition of collagen and elastin fibers in tissue samples. Understanding these components is vital for diagnosing various tissue-related conditions, including fibrosis and other connective tissue disorders. This test specifically measures the presence and distribution of collagen and elastin fibers within tissue samples. By utilizing the Van Giesons stain, pathologists can visualize these fibers under a microscope, allowing for a detailed examination that aids in accurate diagnosis.
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 →
PreparationA brief clinical history in Histopathology Requisition Form (Form 2) is mandatory.
SampleSubmit tissue biopsy in 10% formal saline or formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue block or FNAC specimen, alcohol fixed smeared onto 4 glass slides and air dried. Ship at room temperature.
MethodologyHistological staining using Van Gieson's solution followed by microscopic examination.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results interpretation requires expertise from a qualified pathologist. The test provides information based on the specific tissue sample submitted.
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

This test measures the presence and distribution of collagen and elastin fibers within a tissue sample.
It helps diagnose conditions related to connective tissues, such as fibrosis, by visualizing key structural components.
A tissue biopsy, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue block, or FNAC specimen is required.
The sample should be submitted in 10% formal saline or formalin, or as specified for FNAC/smears. A completed Histopathology Requisition Form (Form 2) with clinical history is mandatory.
Results are typically available within 3 working days after the sample is received by the laboratory.
Yes, home sample collection services are available in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Please contact us to arrange.
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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