Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

HLA-B*1502 Genotyping Carbamazepine

The HLA-B*1502 Genotyping Carbamazepine test assesses genetic risk factors for serious skin reactions to Carbamazepine medication. Particularly relevant for individuals of Asian descent.

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: Peripheral blood collected in an EDTA Vacutainer tube (2ml).
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required for this test. A doctor's prescription is generally needed, but exceptions may apply for surgery, pregnancy, or travel cases. Confirm requirements with the laboratory.

Test priceKSh 10,500

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 HLA-B*1502 Genotyping Carbamazepine 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.

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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.

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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.

✓Individuals of Asian descent (Han Chinese, Thai, Malay) prescribed Carbamazepine
✓Patients with a family history of adverse reactions to Carbamazepine
✓Patients prescribed Carbamazepine for epilepsy or bipolar disorder
✓Individuals considering Carbamazepine treatment

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify individuals at higher risk for severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) when treated with Carbamazepine. It aids in personalized medication management to improve patient safety.

The HLA-B*1502 Genotyping Carbamazepine test is a genetic analysis designed to identify the presence of the HLA-B*1502 allele. This allele is linked to an increased risk of developing severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), in individuals taking Carbamazepine. Carbamazepine is commonly prescribed for conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder.

This test is especially recommended for individuals of Asian ancestry (including Han Chinese, Thai, and Malay populations) due to a higher prevalence of the HLA-B*1502 allele in these groups. Understanding your genetic status can help healthcare providers make safer medication choices and potentially avoid serious adverse drug reactions.

Knowing your HLA-B*1502 status allows for personalized treatment strategies, potentially guiding the selection of alternative medications if Carbamazepine is deemed high-risk for you.

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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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

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.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

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 for this test. A doctor's prescription is generally needed, but exceptions may apply for surgery, pregnancy, or travel cases. Confirm requirements with the laboratory.

SamplePeripheral blood collected in an EDTA Vacutainer tube (2ml).

MethodologyMolecular genetic analysis (e.g., PCR-based methods) to detect the presence or absence of the HLA-B*1502 allele.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

This test only detects the HLA-B*1502 allele. Other genetic factors or non-genetic factors can also influence drug reactions. A negative result does not completely eliminate the risk of adverse reactions.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

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.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Carbamazepine is a medication commonly used to treat epilepsy (seizures) and bipolar disorder.

Individuals of Asian descent have a higher frequency of the HLA-B*1502 allele, which is associated with a significantly increased risk of severe skin reactions to Carbamazepine.

SJS and TEN are rare but serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions that can be triggered by certain medications, including Carbamazepine.

A positive result indicates the presence of the HLA-B*1502 allele, suggesting a higher risk of developing severe skin reactions if Carbamazepine is taken. Discuss alternative medications with your doctor.

A negative result indicates the absence of the HLA-B*1502 allele, suggesting a lower risk of these specific reactions to Carbamazepine. However, other risks may still exist.

Generally, yes. However, exceptions may apply. Please confirm the specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.

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.

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Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

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LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

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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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