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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Thiopurine Methyltransferase TPMT 2 3A 3B 3C Genotyping

Thiopurine Methyltransferase (TPMT) Genotyping assesses how your body processes thiopurine medications. This genetic test helps guide safe and effective medication management for conditions like autoimmune diseases and certain cancers. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

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
Blood sample (usually collected in an EDTA tube). Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is typically required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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 Thiopurine Methyltransferase TPMT 2 3A 3B 3C Genotyping 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.

  • ✓Patients prescribed thiopurine medications (e.g., azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine)
  • ✓Individuals with autoimmune disorders requiring thiopurine therapy
  • ✓Patients with certain types of cancer treated with thiopurines
  • ✓Individuals with a family history of adverse reactions to thiopurines
  • ✓Patients experiencing potential drug intolerance during thiopurine treatment
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps predict how a patient will metabolize thiopurine drugs, guiding dosage adjustments to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize toxicity.
Thiopurine Methyltransferase (TPMT) Genotyping is a genetic test that evaluates the activity of the TPMT enzyme. This enzyme is crucial for breaking down thiopurine medications, which are used to treat conditions such as autoimmune diseases (like Crohn's disease or rheumatoid arthritis) and certain cancers.

Understanding your TPMT status helps healthcare providers determine the right dosage of thiopurine medication for you. This can improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of serious side effects associated with the drug.

The test looks for specific genetic variations (alleles) like TPMT *2, *3A, *3B, and *3C that affect enzyme activity. Your results will indicate if you have normal, intermediate, or low TPMT activity.

Discuss your results with your doctor to understand how they apply to your specific treatment plan.
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.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
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 →
PreparationNo special preparation is typically required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleBlood sample (usually collected in an EDTA tube). Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyGenetic analysis, typically using PCR and sequencing or related techniques, to identify specific TPMT gene variants. 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 identifies specific common genetic variations affecting TPMT activity. It may not detect all possible variations. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical information. 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

Thiopurines are a class of drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases and certain cancers. Examples include azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine.
TPMT testing helps determine how quickly your body breaks down thiopurine drugs. This information is crucial for adjusting dosages to prevent severe side effects.
Results indicate your TPMT enzyme activity level (normal, intermediate, or low). Your doctor will explain what this means for your medication dosage.
This test is recommended for individuals starting thiopurine therapy, especially those with certain medical conditions or family history. Consult your doctor.
A blood sample is typically required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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.

Explore partnerships
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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