Skip to main content
Medical information Clinical review pending

Immunology Testing

Urine Dysmorphic RBC Test

The Urine Dysmorphic RBC Test helps evaluate kidney health by looking for abnormal red blood cells in urine, potentially indicating kidney disorders.

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.

Ask a question
Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Urine sample.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required. Please provide a fresh urine sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 748

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 Urine Dysmorphic RBC 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.

+254

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.

  • ✓Blood in urine (hematuria)
  • ✓Unexplained kidney pain
  • ✓Swelling in legs or around eyes
  • ✓High blood pressure
  • ✓Family history of kidney disease
  • ✓Monitoring kidney health in patients with diabetes or hypertension
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify potential kidney disorders by detecting abnormal red blood cells in urine, aiding in the diagnosis of glomerular diseases.
The Urine Dysmorphic RBC Test is a diagnostic tool used to assess kidney health. It examines the shape and characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) found in a urine sample. Abnormal or 'dysmorphic' RBCs can suggest damage to the glomeruli, the filtering units within the kidneys. This test is valuable for investigating the cause of blood in the urine (hematuria) and identifying potential kidney diseases.

This test specifically looks at the morphology (shape) of red blood cells in the urine. Finding dysmorphic RBCs often points towards a problem originating within the kidneys themselves, rather than elsewhere in the urinary tract. This information helps doctors understand the nature of kidney issues.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like blood in urine, unexplained kidney pain, swelling, or high blood pressure may benefit from this test. It is also recommended for people with risk factors for kidney disease, such as a family history, diabetes, or hypertension.

Taking this test allows for early detection of kidney problems, aiding in timely diagnosis and management. It is a non-invasive test requiring only a urine sample. Results can help guide treatment decisions made by healthcare providers, particularly nephrologists. Discuss your results with your doctor for proper interpretation and next steps.
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 required. Please provide a fresh urine sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleUrine sample.
MethodologyPhase Contrast Microscopy.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The presence of dysmorphic RBCs suggests a kidney origin for hematuria but does not specify the exact cause. Other tests may be needed for a definitive diagnosis. 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

This test examines the shape of red blood cells in your urine. Abnormal shapes (dysmorphic RBCs) can indicate a problem with your kidneys.
It helps doctors find the cause of blood in the urine and detect potential kidney diseases early.
People with blood in their urine, kidney pain, swelling, high blood pressure, or risk factors like diabetes or a family history of kidney disease may need this test.
You will need to provide a urine sample. No special preparation is usually needed.
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.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →
Chat on WhatsApp