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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin (HPFH)

The Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin (HPFH) test helps identify elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin, which can indicate certain genetic blood disorders. This test is important for individuals with a family history of hemoglobinopathies or those experiencing related symptoms.

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
Amniotic fluid, Chorionic villi, or Cord blood. A doctor's prescription is required for testing, except for specific circumstances like surgery, pregnancy, or travel.
Results
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm specific preparation requirements with your doctor or the laboratory before sample collection.
Test priceKSh 12,000

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 Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin (HPFH) 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.

  • ✓Family history of hemoglobin disorders (e.g., sickle cell disease, thalassemia)
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of anemia or other blood disorders
  • ✓Genetic counseling for family planning
  • ✓Prenatal screening for certain hemoglobinopathies
  • ✓Pre-surgical screening in some cases
  • ✓Evaluation of unexplained health issues potentially related to hemoglobin levels
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify individuals with elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin, which can be associated with certain hemoglobinopathies. It aids in diagnosis, genetic counseling, and family planning for individuals with a personal or family history of these conditions.
The Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin (HPFH) test is a genetic diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in individuals beyond the age when it typically decreases. Understanding HPFH is important because elevated levels can be associated with various genetic conditions affecting hemoglobin production, such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. This test measures the amount of HbF in a blood sample to help healthcare providers assess potential risks and guide diagnosis and management. It is particularly relevant for individuals with a family history of blood disorders, those showing symptoms like anemia or fatigue, and expecting mothers concerned about genetic conditions.
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 →
PreparationConfirm specific preparation requirements with your doctor or the laboratory before sample collection.
SampleAmniotic fluid, Chorionic villi, or Cord blood. A doctor's prescription is required for testing, except for specific circumstances like surgery, pregnancy, or travel.
MethodologyThe methodology used to measure fetal hemoglobin levels will be determined by the laboratory. 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 fetal hemoglobin levels but does not identify the specific genetic mutation causing HPFH or other hemoglobinopathies. Further testing may be required for a definitive diagnosis. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical findings and family history.
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

Fetal hemoglobin is the main type of hemoglobin found in a baby's red blood cells during pregnancy. Levels typically decrease significantly after birth.
Your doctor might order this test if you have a family history of blood disorders, symptoms like anemia, or if you are pregnant and concerned about genetic conditions.
Elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin beyond infancy can indicate certain genetic conditions, such as sickle cell disease or beta-thalassemia. Further investigation is usually needed.
Samples for this test can include amniotic fluid, chorionic villi, or cord blood. A doctor's prescription is generally required.
Turnaround time can vary. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory before booking your test.
Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for this specific 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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