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Transplant Testing

HLA DP Typing Test

The HLA DP Typing Test helps determine compatibility between organ donors and recipients, crucial for successful transplantation. It assesses specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA) to minimize rejection risk.

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
4 mL (3 mL minimum) whole blood in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube OR 6 mL (3 mL minimum) whole blood in a Yellow Top (ACD) tube. Sample must be shipped refrigerated. Do not freeze.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
A doctor's prescription on official letterhead is required. One photograph of the recipient and one photograph of the donor, both duly stamped, are required. A completed and stamped Consent form for HLA Typing (Form 33) is mandatory.
Test priceKSh 14,040

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 HLA DP Typing 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.

  • ✓Individuals planning for organ transplantation.
  • ✓Patients with autoimmune diseases.
  • ✓Patients with a history of transplant rejection.
  • ✓Individuals with family history of organ transplant needs.
  • ✓Assessment prior to solid organ transplantation (e.g., kidney, liver, heart).
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to assess the compatibility between potential organ donors and recipients, aiming to minimize the risk of transplant rejection and improve long-term graft survival.
The HLA DP Typing Test is a specialized medical test vital for organ transplantation. It identifies specific human leukocyte antigens (HLA) to determine compatibility between organ donors and recipients. Ensuring a good match significantly improves transplant success rates and reduces the risk of the recipient's body rejecting the new organ. This test specifically measures the DPA1 and DPB1 components, which are part of the immune system responsible for recognizing foreign tissues. Analyzing these antigens helps healthcare providers assess the likelihood of the recipient's immune system accepting the donor's organ. This test is particularly important for individuals planning organ transplantation, those with specific risk factors like autoimmune diseases or previous transplant rejections, and individuals with a family history of organ transplant needs. Discuss with your healthcare provider if this test is necessary for you. Taking this test increases the likelihood of a successful transplant, reduces the risk of organ rejection, and provides crucial information for specialists involved in transplant care. Results indicate compatibility based on DPA1 and DPB1 antigens. A closer match suggests a higher chance of transplant success. It is essential to discuss your results with your healthcare provider. We have branches across major cities in Kenya and offer home sample collection. Booking requires a doctor’s prescription, photographs of both recipient and donor, and a stamped Consent form for HLA Typing (Form 33).
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 →
PreparationA doctor's prescription on official letterhead is required. One photograph of the recipient and one photograph of the donor, both duly stamped, are required. A completed and stamped Consent form for HLA Typing (Form 33) is mandatory.
Sample4 mL (3 mL minimum) whole blood in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube OR 6 mL (3 mL minimum) whole blood in a Yellow Top (ACD) tube. Sample must be shipped refrigerated. Do not freeze.
MethodologyMolecular techniques, such as PCR-based methods, are used to identify the specific alleles of the HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 genes.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test assesses only the HLA DP antigens (DPA1 and DPB1). Compatibility assessment often involves typing other HLA loci (e.g., A, B, C, DR, DQ) for a comprehensive evaluation. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and immunological data.
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

HLA DP Typing is a test that identifies specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of your cells, called Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). It helps determine how well a donor organ might match a recipient's immune system.
A good HLA match between donor and recipient reduces the risk of the recipient's immune system attacking the transplanted organ, which is known as rejection.
A blood sample is required. The specific tube type (Lavender or Yellow Top) and volume are detailed in the Specimen Requirements section.
You will need a doctor's prescription on letterhead, photographs of both the recipient and donor, and a completed, stamped Consent form for HLA Typing (Form 33).
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory before booking your test.
This specific test focuses on the HLA DP (DPA1 and DPB1) antigens. A full transplant compatibility workup often includes typing other HLA types as well.
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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