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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Amino Acid Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia Panel Quantitative CSF Plasma Test

This test measures glycine levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma to help diagnose nonketotic hyperglycinemia, an inherited metabolic disorder. Essential for identifying potential neurological issues early.

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
1 mL (0.5 mL minimum) CSF in a sterile screw-capped vial and 2 mL (1 mL minimum) plasma from 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube. Plasma should be transferred into a sterile screw-capped vial.
Results
Report available in 3 days, provided the sample is submitted by Monday or Wednesday by 5 PM. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Clinical details and drug history must accompany the sample. CSF and Plasma specimens should be drawn at the same time. Ship refrigerated or frozen.
Test priceKSh 18,000

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 Amino Acid Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia Panel Quantitative CSF Plasma 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.

  • ✓Suspected nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH)
  • ✓Severe unexplained neurological impairment in infants or children
  • ✓Developmental delays
  • ✓Recurrent seizures
  • ✓Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
  • ✓Family history of metabolic disorders
  • ✓Evaluation of metabolic causes for neurological symptoms
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH), an inherited metabolic disorder. It helps determine if elevated glycine levels in CSF and plasma are present, which is characteristic of NKH. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention and management to mitigate potential neurological damage.
The Amino Acid Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia Panel Quantitative CSF Plasma Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the concentration of glycine in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. This test is crucial for identifying nonketotic hyperglycinemia, an inborn error of metabolism where the body cannot break down the amino acid glycine properly. Early diagnosis is vital as this condition can lead to significant neurological problems, especially in infants and children. The test helps healthcare providers understand if elevated glycine levels are present, guiding further management and treatment decisions.
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.

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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 →
PreparationClinical details and drug history must accompany the sample. CSF and Plasma specimens should be drawn at the same time. Ship refrigerated or frozen.
Sample1 mL (0.5 mL minimum) CSF in a sterile screw-capped vial and 2 mL (1 mL minimum) plasma from 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube. Plasma should be transferred into a sterile screw-capped vial.
MethodologyQuantitative measurement of glycine concentration in CSF and plasma. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test measures glycine levels but does not identify the specific genetic mutation causing NKH. Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other relevant tests. 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

NKH is a rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly break down the amino acid glycine, leading to high levels in the blood and brain.
Measuring glycine in both CSF and plasma helps differentiate NKH from other conditions and provides a more accurate diagnosis.
NKH is an inherited condition, so individuals with a family history are at higher risk. It primarily affects infants and children.
A healthcare provider will interpret the glycine levels in relation to your clinical symptoms and medical history to determine the diagnosis.
A positive result indicates high glycine levels. Your doctor will discuss further steps, which may include additional testing and management strategies.
Yes, DNA Labs Kenya offers a home sample collection service. Please contact us at +254711564616 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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