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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Tacrolimus FK506 Test

The Tacrolimus FK506 Test measures the amount of Tacrolimus medication in your blood. This test is important for patients who have received organ transplants, particularly kidney transplants, to ensure the medication level is correct for preventing rejection and avoiding 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.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
3 mL (2 mL minimum) of whole blood collected in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Sample should be collected just before the next scheduled dose of Tacrolimus. Please provide the date and time of sampling, the dose amount, and the time the dose was taken.
Test priceKSh 11,000

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 Tacrolimus FK506 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.

  • ✓Monitoring Tacrolimus therapy
  • ✓Kidney transplant patients
  • ✓Organ transplant recipients
  • ✓Assessing drug efficacy
  • ✓Detecting potential toxicity
  • ✓Guiding dosage adjustments
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps monitor Tacrolimus levels in transplant patients to optimize dosage, prevent organ rejection, and minimize drug toxicity.
The Tacrolimus FK506 Test is a vital diagnostic tool used primarily in the field of nephrology and transplant medicine. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant medication that plays a crucial role in preventing organ rejection in transplant patients. Monitoring its levels is essential to ensure that patients receive the correct dosage, thereby maximizing the drug's efficacy while minimizing potential side effects.

This test measures the concentration of Tacrolimus in the bloodstream. It is particularly important to assess the trough levels—measured just before the next dose—to ensure that the drug remains within the therapeutic range. This helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding dosage adjustments.

Patients who have undergone kidney transplants or are on Tacrolimus therapy should consider this test. Symptoms of inappropriate Tacrolimus levels may include signs of organ rejection, increased side effects such as tremors or kidney dysfunction, or changes in overall health status. Additionally, individuals with risk factors such as kidney disease or those undergoing treatment adjustments should also be tested.

Taking the Tacrolimus FK506 Test provides several benefits, including ensuring optimal therapeutic levels of the medication, reducing the risk of organ rejection, minimizing the potential for drug toxicity, and guiding dosage adjustments based on individual patient needs. This proactive approach can significantly enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Results from the Tacrolimus FK506 Test will indicate whether the drug levels are within the therapeutic range. Healthcare providers will interpret these results in the context of the patient's overall health and treatment plan. If levels are too low, dosage adjustments may be necessary; conversely, if levels are too high, it may indicate a risk of toxicity.
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 →
PreparationSample should be collected just before the next scheduled dose of Tacrolimus. Please provide the date and time of sampling, the dose amount, and the time the dose was taken.
Sample3 mL (2 mL minimum) of whole blood collected in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of the patient's clinical picture. Factors like kidney function and other medications can influence Tacrolimus levels.
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

Tacrolimus (also known as FK506) is an immunosuppressant medication used to prevent the body from rejecting an organ transplant.
This test measures the amount of Tacrolimus in your blood to ensure the dose is correct, preventing organ rejection and minimizing side effects.
The frequency depends on your doctor's recommendations based on your medical history and transplant status. Consult your physician.
This refers to the lowest concentration of the drug in your blood, typically measured just before your next dose.
You need to provide a blood sample just before your next Tacrolimus dose. Inform the lab about the dose and timing.
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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