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Medical information Clinical review pending

Neurology

Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 1 Test

The Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 1 Test examines kidney tissue samples to help diagnose kidney disorders and guide treatment. This test is crucial for understanding kidney health, especially in cases of unexplained symptoms or after kidney transplantation.

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
Two kidney biopsy specimens are required: one preserved in buffered normal saline for DIF studies and one preserved in 10% formal saline for histopathology.
Results
Results are typically available within 10 working days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for the biopsy procedure itself, which is performed by a specialist. However, ensure the correct requisition form (Form 5 for native kidneys or Form 6 for transplant biopsies) is completed with relevant clinical history. 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 Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 1 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 kidney dysfunction
  • ✓Persistent proteinuria or hematuria
  • ✓Suspected glomerulonephritis
  • ✓Monitoring kidney transplant health
  • ✓Investigating potential kidney transplant rejection
  • ✓Diagnosing interstitial nephritis
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test provides detailed information about the structure and composition of kidney tissue, aiding in the diagnosis of various kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, and transplant rejection. It helps clinicians understand the underlying cause of kidney dysfunction and determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
The Histopathology Kidney Biopsy Panel 1 Test is a diagnostic procedure used to examine kidney tissue. It helps identify the cause of kidney problems and guides treatment decisions. This test involves analyzing a small sample of kidney tissue under a microscope.

This test measures and detects various histopathological changes in kidney tissue. It includes analysis using special stains for detailed examination, Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) to detect immune deposits (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3 & C1q), Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for specific proteins like C4d and SV40 (particularly relevant for transplant biopsies), and documentation through photomicrographs.

This test is important for patients experiencing symptoms related to kidney function or those needing monitoring after a kidney transplant.
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 specific patient preparation is required for the biopsy procedure itself, which is performed by a specialist. However, ensure the correct requisition form (Form 5 for native kidneys or Form 6 for transplant biopsies) is completed with relevant clinical history. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleTwo kidney biopsy specimens are required: one preserved in buffered normal saline for DIF studies and one preserved in 10% formal saline for histopathology.
MethodologyHistopathology involves microscopic examination of tissue sections stained with various dyes. Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) uses fluorescent antibodies to detect immune deposits. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) uses antibodies to identify specific proteins.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test requires a kidney biopsy procedure, which carries inherent risks. The interpretation of results requires expertise in renal pathology. Results may sometimes be inconclusive or require further investigation. 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 involves examining a small sample of kidney tissue (biopsy) under a microscope using various staining techniques to identify abnormalities.
A kidney biopsy helps determine the specific cause of kidney disease when other tests are inconclusive, guiding appropriate treatment.
The kidney biopsy procedure is performed by a specialist. Two samples are needed, preserved in specific solutions as instructed.
Results are typically available within 10 working days, but confirm with the laboratory for the most current estimate.
A nephrologist or pathologist specializing in kidney diseases will interpret the results and discuss them with you.
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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