Skip to main content
Medical information Clinical review pending

DNA Testing

Nortriptyline Test

The Nortriptyline Test measures the amount of nortriptyline, an antidepressant, in your blood. This helps your doctor ensure you are receiving the right dose for effective treatment of depression or anxiety, while minimizing side effects.

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
3 mL (1.5 mL minimum) serum from 1 Red Top tube (No Additive). Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
Results
Report available after 2-3 weeks from sample receipt (if sample received by the 7th of the month).
Preparation
Recommended specimen collection is >12 hours after the last oral dose of nortriptyline. A duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory.
Test priceKSh 26,000

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 Nortriptyline 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.

+254

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.

  • ✓Monitoring nortriptyline therapy
  • ✓Assessing treatment effectiveness for depression or anxiety
  • ✓Adjusting nortriptyline dosage
  • ✓Investigating potential side effects or toxicity
  • ✓Evaluating patient adherence to medication
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Therapeutic drug monitoring for nortriptyline, ensuring optimal dosage and efficacy while minimizing toxicity.
The Nortriptyline Test is a diagnostic tool used for therapeutic drug monitoring. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant often prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. This test measures the concentration of nortriptyline in your bloodstream.

This information helps healthcare providers determine if the medication is working effectively and if the dosage needs adjustment. It helps ensure the drug level is within the therapeutic range, avoiding potential toxicity or levels that are too low to be effective.

Individuals currently taking nortriptyline, or those experiencing changes in their symptoms or medication effectiveness, may benefit from this test. It is particularly useful for managing treatment for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Taking this test helps ensure optimal dosing for effective treatment, helps prevent potential side effects and toxicity, and provides valuable information for treatment adjustments, enhancing overall patient care.
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 →
PreparationRecommended specimen collection is >12 hours after the last oral dose of nortriptyline. A duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory.
Sample3 mL (1.5 mL minimum) serum from 1 Red Top tube (No Additive). Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results reflect drug levels at the time of collection. Factors like kidney or liver function, other medications, and individual metabolism can influence levels. 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

Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant medication commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.
This test measures the level of nortriptyline in your blood to help your doctor determine the correct dosage for effective treatment and minimize potential side effects.
It is recommended that the blood sample be collected more than 12 hours after your last dose of nortriptyline. Please ensure the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is completed.
The test measures the concentration of nortriptyline in your serum (blood).
Results will be reported to your healthcare provider, who will discuss them with you. The laboratory turnaround time is typically 2-3 weeks from sample receipt.
Yes, a Red Top tube (without additive) is required. SST gel barrier tubes should not be used.
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.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →
Chat on WhatsApp