Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Microsatellite Instability Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer

This genetic test helps identify individuals at higher risk for colorectal cancer due to Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition. It detects changes in DNA that indicate a potential predisposition.

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 (preferred) or peripheral blood sample. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is typically required for a blood sample. If a tumor tissue sample is needed, your doctor will provide specific instructions. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 30,000

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 Microsatellite Instability Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer 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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Mobile number *

+254

Insurer or scheme

Policy / member number (optional)

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.

✓Family history of colorectal cancer or Lynch syndrome-associated cancers.
✓Colorectal cancer diagnosed at a young age (typically under 50).
✓Personal or family history of multiple primary cancers.
✓Meeting specific criteria like the Amsterdam criteria for Lynch syndrome.
✓To guide treatment decisions for certain cancers.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify individuals with Lynch syndrome, enabling personalized cancer screening, prevention strategies, and treatment planning. It aids in assessing the risk of developing colorectal and other associated cancers.

The Microsatellite Instability Lynch Syndrome Colorectal Cancer test is a diagnostic tool used to identify genetic mutations linked to Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer and other specific types of cancer. This test is particularly important for individuals with a family history of these cancers, as early detection can lead to timely interventions and improved health outcomes. The test analyzes tumor tissue or blood samples for microsatellite instability (MSI), a marker associated with defects in DNA repair mechanisms characteristic of Lynch syndrome. Understanding your risk is a crucial step in proactive health management.

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 special preparation is typically required for a blood sample. If a tumor tissue sample is needed, your doctor will provide specific instructions. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

SampleTumor tissue sample (preferred) or peripheral blood sample. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyThe test typically involves analyzing DNA from a tumor tissue or blood sample to detect changes in the length of microsatellite sequences, indicating instability. Confirm specific methodology with the laboratory before booking.

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

This test detects MSI, which is strongly associated with Lynch syndrome, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test for the syndrome itself. Further genetic testing may be required to confirm Lynch syndrome. The test's accuracy can be affected by sample quality. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

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

Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that significantly increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer and other types of cancer, such as endometrial, ovarian, stomach, and small intestine cancers.

Individuals with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, especially if diagnosed at a young age, or those with multiple related cancers, may be candidates for testing. Discuss your history with your doctor.

A positive result indicates microsatellite instability, suggesting a potential defect in DNA repair mechanisms often associated with Lynch syndrome. Further evaluation and genetic counseling are recommended.

Yes, a doctor's prescription is required to order this test.

The sample can be either a tumor tissue sample obtained during a biopsy or surgery, or a peripheral blood sample. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate sample type.

It is crucial to discuss your results with your doctor or a genetic counselor. They can help you understand the implications and recommend appropriate next steps, such as increased cancer screening or preventive measures.

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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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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