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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Immunohistochemistry E-Cadherin ECAD Test

The Immunohistochemistry E-Cadherin ECAD Test helps diagnose and understand certain cancers by measuring E-Cadherin protein levels in tumor tissue, aiding treatment decisions.

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 in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Typical turnaround times may range from 5 to 7 days depending on the sample type and complexity.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required. Ensure the sample is correctly collected and preserved.
Test priceKSh 6,000

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 Immunohistochemistry E-Cadherin ECAD 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 epithelial cancers
  • ✓Prognosis assessment in specific cancers
  • ✓Guiding treatment decisions
  • ✓Monitoring disease progression
  • ✓Evaluating tumor invasiveness
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assists in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning for certain epithelial cancers by evaluating E-Cadherin protein expression in tumor tissue.
The Immunohistochemistry E-Cadherin ECAD Test is a diagnostic tool used in oncology. It assesses the presence and levels of E-Cadherin, a protein important for cell adhesion. This test provides valuable information about tumor behavior, particularly in cancers like breast and gastric cancer. Understanding E-Cadherin expression can help predict the likelihood of metastasis and inform prognosis.

This test measures the amount of E-Cadherin protein in a tumor tissue sample. E-Cadherin helps epithelial cells stick together. Reduced levels are often linked to increased tumor invasiveness and potentially a poorer prognosis.

Patients diagnosed with or suspected of having cancers involving epithelial tissues may benefit from this test. Discuss with your oncologist or pathologist if this test is appropriate for your situation.

The test aids in accurate cancer diagnosis, helps determine effective treatment plans, provides prognostic information, and can assist in monitoring treatment response.

Results indicate the level of E-Cadherin expression. Higher levels generally suggest better cell adhesion and potentially less aggressive behavior, while lower levels may indicate a higher risk of metastasis. Discuss your results with your healthcare provider for a complete understanding.
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. Ensure the sample is correctly collected and preserved.
SampleTumor tissue sample in 10% Formal-saline or Formalin fixed paraffin embedded block.
MethodologyImmunohistochemistry (IHC) technique used to detect E-Cadherin protein expression in tissue sections.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical history, other diagnostic findings, and the specific type of cancer. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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

E-Cadherin is a protein that helps cells stick together, particularly in epithelial tissues. Its levels can indicate tumor behavior.
Reduced E-Cadherin levels are often associated with increased tumor invasiveness and metastasis, helping doctors understand the cancer's potential behavior.
A tumor tissue sample, typically formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded, is required for this test.
Turnaround time can vary. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
A pathologist interprets the results, and your doctor will discuss the findings with you.
No specific patient preparation is required for 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.

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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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