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Medical information Clinical review pending

Haematology Testing

Sudan Black B Stain Blood Bone Marrow Test

The Sudan Black B Stain Blood Bone Marrow Test helps diagnose leukemia by identifying specific cell types in the bone marrow. It is a crucial tool for hematologists.

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 min.) whole blood from 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube OR 2 mL (1 mL min.) Bone Marrow from 1 Green Top (Sodium heparin) tube.
Results
Approximately one week. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Please provide a brief clinical history with your sample.
Test priceKSh 1,146

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 Sudan Black B Stain Blood Bone Marrow 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.

  • ✓Unexplained fatigue
  • ✓Frequent infections
  • ✓Easy bruising or bleeding
  • ✓Swollen lymph nodes
  • ✓Suspicion of leukemia
  • ✓Monitoring response to leukemia treatment
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis and classification of leukemia by identifying specific cell types in the bone marrow. It helps differentiate between various types of leukemia, which is crucial for determining the most effective treatment strategy.
The Sudan Black B Stain Blood Bone Marrow Test is a specialized cytochemical staining test used to help diagnose leukemia. This test examines cells from a bone marrow sample to identify specific characteristics that can indicate the presence of certain types of leukemia. It is an important diagnostic tool for hematologists to differentiate between various blood disorders and determine the appropriate course of treatment. The test looks for the presence of Sudanophilic granules within the cells. Understanding the results helps guide diagnosis and treatment planning. This test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of leukemia or those with specific risk factors. Discuss the need for this test with your doctor.
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 →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Please provide a brief clinical history with your sample.
Sample3 mL (2 mL min.) whole blood from 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube OR 2 mL (1 mL min.) Bone Marrow from 1 Green Top (Sodium heparin) tube.
MethodologyCytochemical staining technique using Sudan Black B dye to identify lipid-containing granules within bone marrow cells.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test is a specialized stain and must be interpreted by a qualified pathologist or hematologist in the context of the patient's overall clinical picture and other laboratory findings. It is not a standalone diagnostic test.
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

This test helps identify specific types of cells in the bone marrow, primarily used to aid in the diagnosis and classification of leukemia.
Individuals experiencing symptoms like fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, or swollen lymph nodes, or those suspected of having leukemia by their doctor, may need this test.
The sample can be either a blood sample collected in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube or a bone marrow sample collected in a Green Top (Sodium heparin) tube.
Results are typically available within approximately one week. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
A hematologist or pathologist will interpret the results. The presence or absence of specific staining patterns helps in diagnosing and classifying leukemia. Discuss your results with your doctor.
DNA Labs Kenya offers a convenient home sample collection service in major cities. Please call or WhatsApp +254711564616 to arrange.
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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