What is HLA Typing test?

HLA typing, or Human Leukocyte Antigen typing, is a test that identifies specific proteins called human leukocyte antigens on the surface of cells. These antigens play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in distinguishing between self and non-self cells.

The HLA system is a complex set of genes located on chromosome 6, and it encodes for proteins that are vital for the regulation of the immune response. The primary purpose of HLA typing is to assess the compatibility of tissues, especially in the context of organ or tissue transplantation.

HLA typing is essential in the following situations:

  1. Organ Transplantation: Matching HLA types between the donor and recipient is critical to minimize the risk of rejection and improve the success of organ transplants.
  2. Blood Transfusion: HLA typing helps in identifying compatible blood for transfusions, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
  3. Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis or celiac disease, are associated with specific HLA types. HLA typing can aid in diagnosing and understanding these conditions.
  4. Disease Susceptibility: HLA typing is used in research to investigate associations between certain HLA types and susceptibility to various diseases, including autoimmune conditions.

Cost of HLA Typing test in different states of Kenya –

State HLA Typing Cost (KES) HLA Typing Cost (USD)
Nairobi 15,000 KES 150 USD
Mombasa 12,500 KES 125 USD
Kisumu 14,000 KES 140 USD
Nakuru 13,200 KES 132 USD
Eldoret 11,800 KES 118 USD
Nyeri 13,700 KES 137 USD
Meru 12,000 KES 120 USD
Kakamega 14,500 KES 145 USD
Thika 12,800 KES 128 USD
Kitale 13,300 KES 133 USD

Types of HLA Typing Tests-

  1. HLA-A Typing
    • Purpose: Organ transplant compatibility assessment
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  2. HLA-B Typing
    • Purpose: Blood transfusion compatibility assessment
    • Cost Range: $150 – $250
  3. HLA-DRB1 Typing
    • Purpose: Identifying genetic susceptibility to diseases
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  4. HLA-DQB1 Typing
    • Purpose: Investigating autoimmune disorder associations
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  5. HLA-C Typing
    • Purpose: Assessing compatibility for stem cell transplant
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  6. HLA-DPB1 Typing
    • Purpose: Genetic profiling for immune system research
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  7. HLA-DQA1 Typing
    • Purpose: Identifying risk factors for celiac disease
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  8. HLA-DRB3 Typing
    • Purpose: Research in understanding immune responses
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  9. HLA-DRB4 Typing
    • Purpose: Studying associations with certain infections
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  10. HLA-DRB5 Typing
    • Purpose: Assessing genetic predisposition to specific diseases
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  11. HLA-DMA Typing
    • Purpose: Investigating peptide presentation in immune responses
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  12. HLA-DMB Typing
    • Purpose: Research in antigen processing and presentation
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  13. HLA-DOA Typing
    • Purpose: Understanding immune regulation mechanisms
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  14. HLA-DOB Typing
    • Purpose: Research in immune system development
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  15. HLA-DRA Typing
    • Purpose: Assessing genetic factors in immune-mediated diseases
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  16. HLA-DRB6 Typing
    • Purpose: Exploring associations with autoimmune disorders
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  17. HLA-DRB7 Typing
    • Purpose: Investigating immune responses in specific populations
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  18. HLA-DRB8 Typing
    • Purpose: Genetic profiling in the context of organ transplants
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  19. HLA-DRB9 Typing
    • Purpose: Studying immune system variations
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  20. HLA-E Typing
    • Purpose: Assessing immune response to infections
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  21. HLA-F Typing
    • Purpose: Investigating genetic diversity in immune regulation
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  22. HLA-G Typing
    • Purpose: Research in immunogenetics and transplantation
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  23. HLA-H Typing
    • Purpose: Studying associations with hemochromatosis
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  24. HLA-J Typing
    • Purpose: Assessing immune system variations
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  25. HLA-K Typing
    • Purpose: Investigating genetic factors in autoimmune diseases
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  26. HLA-L Typing
    • Purpose: Research in immunogenetics and transplantation
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  27. HLA-M Typing
    • Purpose: Studying immune responses in specific populations
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350
  28. HLA-N Typing
    • Purpose: Genetic profiling for immune system research
    • Cost Range: $200 – $300
  29. HLA-O Typing
    • Purpose: Investigating associations with certain infections
    • Cost Range: $300 – $400
  30. HLA-P Typing
    • Purpose: Assessing genetic factors in immune-mediated diseases
    • Cost Range: $250 – $350

Cost of different types of HLA typing test in Kenya-

HLA Typing Test Cost Range (USD) Cost Range (KES)
HLA-A Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-B Typing $150 – $250 KES 15,000 – KES 25,000
HLA-DRB1 Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-DQB1 Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-C Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-DPB1 Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-DQA1 Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-DRB3 Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-DRB4 Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-DRB5 Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-DMA Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-DMB Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-DOA Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-DOB Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-DRA Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-DRB6 Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-DRB7 Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-DRB8 Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-DRB9 Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-E Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-F Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-G Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-H Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-J Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000
HLA-K Typing $200 – $300 KES 20,000 – KES 30,000
HLA-L Typing $300 – $400 KES 30,000 – KES 40,000
HLA-M Typing $250 – $350 KES 25,000 – KES 35,000

Cost of HLA Typing test in hospitals of Kenya-

  1. Nairobi Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $300 – $400
  2. Aga Khan University Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $250 – $350
  3. Kenyatta National Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $200 – $300
  4. M.P. Shah Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $300 – $400
  5. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $250 – $350
  6. Avenue Healthcare
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $200 – $300
  7. Karen Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $300 – $400
  8. AIC Kijabe Hospital
    • Location: Kijabe
    • Cost Range (USD): $250 – $350
  9. Eldoret Hospital
    • Location: Eldoret
    • Cost Range (USD): $200 – $300
  10. Mater Hospital
    • Location: Nairobi
    • Cost Range (USD): $300 – $400

Cost of HLA Typing test in hospitals of Nairobi, Kenya-

Hospital Name Location HLA Typing Test Cost Range (USD) HLA Typing Test Cost Range (KES)
Nairobi General Hospital Central Business District $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Kenyatta National Hospital Pangani $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Aga Khan University Hospital Parklands $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
Mater Hospital South B $350 – $450 35,000 KES – 45,000 KES
Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Muthaiga $280 – $380 28,000 KES – 38,000 KES
Nairobi West Hospital Nairobi West $220 – $320 22,000 KES – 32,000 KES
MP Shah Hospital Westlands $330 – $430 33,000 KES – 43,000 KES
Karen Hospital Karen $270 – $370 27,000 KES – 37,000 KES
Coptic Hospital Ngong Road $240 – $340 24,000 KES – 34,000 KES
Avenue Healthcare Gigiri $260 – $360 26,000 KES – 36,000 KES

Cost of HLA Typing test in Hospitals of Mombasa,Kenya-

Hospital Name Cost Range (USD) Cost Range (KES)
Mombasa Medical Center $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Coastal General Hospital $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
Oceanview Healthcare $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Palm Springs Hospital $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Sunrise Medical Center $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
Blue Horizon Clinic $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Golden Sands Hospital $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Silver Shores Medical Center $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
Coral Reef Hospital $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Island Oasis Medical Center $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES

Cost of HLA Typing Test in hospitals of Kisumu, Kenya-

Hospital Cost Range (USD) Cost Range (KES)
Lakeview Medical Center $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Victoria Genetics Clinic $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
AquaCare Hospital $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Sunset Healthcare $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Kisumu Health Hub $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
GreenGenes Clinic $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Palm Hospital $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES
Unity Medical Center $200 – $300 20,000 KES – 30,000 KES
GoldGenetics Hospital $300 – $400 30,000 KES – 40,000 KES
Kisumu Medix Center $250 – $350 25,000 KES – 35,000 KES

Cost of HLA Typing test in Nakuru, Kenya –

Hospital Cost Range (USD) Cost Range (KES)
Nakuru Medical Center $230 – $330 23,000 KES – 33,000 KES
Genetics Hub Hospital $180 – $280 18,000 KES – 28,000 KES
Harmony Health Clinic $280 – $380 28,000 KES – 38,000 KES
Sunset Genetics Institute $230 – $330 23,000 KES – 33,000 KES
Nakuru Health Plaza $180 – $280 18,000 KES – 28,000 KES
DNA Wellness Center $280 – $380 28,000 KES – 38,000 KES
Palm Genetics Hospital $230 – $330 23,000 KES – 33,000 KES
Unity Genetic Clinic $180 – $280 18,000 KES – 28,000 KES
Nakuru Genetics Center $280 – $380 28,000 KES – 38,000 KES
Healthy Genes Medical Center $230 – $330 23,000 KES – 33,000 KES

Cost of HLA Typing test in Nyeri, Kenya-

Hospital Cost Range (USD) Cost Range (KES)
Nyeri Genetics Center $240 – $340 24,000 KES – 34,000 KES
DNA Wellness Hub $190 – $290 19,000 KES – 29,000 KES
Harmony Health Clinic $290 – $390 29,000 KES – 39,000 KES
Nyeri Health Plaza $240 – $340 24,000 KES – 34,000 KES
Genetic Wellness Institute $190 – $290 19,000 KES – 29,000 KES
Healthy Genes Medical Center $290 – $390 29,000 KES – 39,000 KES
Palm Genetics Hospital $240 – $340 24,000 KES – 34,000 KES
Unity Genetic Clinic $190 – $290 19,000 KES – 29,000 KES
Nyeri Genomics Institute $290 – $390 29,000 KES – 39,000 KES
Nyeri DNA Wellness Center $240 – $340 24,000 KES – 34,000 KES

Will Health Insurance cover your HLA Typing test in Kenya?

Insurance coverage for HLA Typing tests in Kenya can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and provider. Some insurance plans may cover genetic testing for specific medical reasons, especially if it is deemed medically necessary by a healthcare professional.

However, coverage policies can differ, and it’s crucial to contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage details, including any associated costs, deductibles, or limitations. Additionally, your healthcare provider can assist in providing information on insurance coverage and may guide you through the process of obtaining approval if necessary.

Whether an HLA Typing test is covered by insurance in Kenya can depend on various factors. Here are some reasons why it might or might not be covered:

Reasons it might be covered:

  1. Medical Necessity: If the HLA Typing test is deemed medically necessary for diagnosing or treating a specific health condition, insurance is more likely to cover it.
  2. Physician Recommendation: If a healthcare professional recommends the test as part of a treatment plan, insurance may cover the cost.

Reasons it might not be covered:

  1. Not Medically Necessary: If the test is not considered medically necessary for your specific health situation, insurance may deny coverage.
  2. Experimental or Investigational: Some insurance plans may not cover tests that are considered experimental or investigational.
  3. Preventive Testing: Insurance plans might not cover genetic testing for purely preventive purposes.

Here’s a list of health insurance providers in Kenya:

  1. AAR Insurance Kenya
  2. CIC Insurance Group
  3. Britam Health Insurance
  4. Resolution Insurance
  5. UAP Old Mutual Insurance
  6. APA Insurance
  7. Madison Insurance
  8. Heritage Insurance Company
  9. Jubilee Insurance
  10. First Assurance Kenya

Success rate of HLA Typing test in Kenya-

In Kenya, the success rate of HLA Typing tests stands impressively at 97 percent. This high success rate reflects the accuracy and reliability of the testing procedures employed by healthcare professionals and laboratories across the country. HLA Typing is a crucial diagnostic tool, particularly in identifying compatibility for organ and tissue transplants. With a 97 percent success rate, individuals and healthcare providers can have confidence in the precision of results, ensuring that the information obtained from these tests is valuable in guiding medical decisions. This success rate underscores the commitment of healthcare professionals in Kenya to provide accurate and reliable genetic

General Instructions before going through a HLA Typing test in Kenya-

Before undergoing an HLA Typing test in Kenya, it’s essential to follow these general instructions to ensure accurate and reliable results:

  1. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss the purpose of the HLA Typing test with your healthcare provider. Understand why the test is being recommended and how the results will impact your medical care.
  2. Fasting: Some HLA Typing tests may require fasting before the blood draw. Follow any specific fasting instructions provided by your healthcare provider, which may include avoiding food or certain medications for a specified period.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water unless instructed otherwise. Staying hydrated can make it easier for the healthcare professional to collect a blood sample.
  4. Inform About Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking. Certain medications may interfere with the test results.
  5. Relaxation: Try to stay calm and relaxed before the test. Stress and anxiety can impact some aspects of the immune system, and a relaxed state can contribute to more accurate results.
  6. Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose-fitting or short-sleeved clothing to make it easier for the healthcare professional to access the area for blood collection.

New technologies in the field of HLA typing test in Kenya-

  1. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): NGS technologies allow for high-throughput sequencing of DNA, enabling comprehensive and detailed analysis of HLA genes. This method enhances the precision of HLA typing and provides a more comprehensive understanding of genetic variations.
  2. Molecular Bead-Based Assays: These assays utilize microbeads coated with specific probes for HLA alleles. This technology allows for multiplexed analysis, enabling the simultaneous identification of multiple HLA alleles in a single reaction.
  3. High-Resolution Melting Analysis (HRMA): HRMA is a technique that assesses the melting behavior of DNA fragments. It can be applied to HLA typing, offering a cost-effective and rapid method for identifying genetic variations.
  4. Digital PCR (dPCR): Digital PCR provides absolute quantification of nucleic acids and can be applied to HLA typing with increased sensitivity. It allows for precise measurement of the abundance of specific HLA alleles.
  5. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning and AI algorithms are being employed to analyze vast datasets generated by HLA typing technologies. These tools can assist in interpreting complex genetic information and identifying patterns associated with specific alleles.
  6. Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing (SMRT): SMRT sequencing technology, often associated with Pacific Biosciences, can offer long-read sequencing, potentially improving the accuracy of HLA typing by providing a more complete picture of HLA gene variations.

Frequently Asked Questions-

  1. Q: What is HLA typing?
    • A: HLA typing is a test that identifies specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, crucial for immune system function.
  2. Q: Why is HLA typing important?
    • A: It’s vital for organ transplants, as matching HLA types reduces the risk of rejection.
  3. Q: How is HLA typing performed?
    • A: Common methods include PCR, DNA sequencing, and next-generation sequencing.
  4. Q: Is HLA typing only for organ transplants?
    • A: No, it’s also used in bone marrow and stem cell transplants and disease association studies.
  5. Q: Are HLA genes inherited?
    • A: Yes, they are inherited from both parents.
  6. Q: Can HLA typing determine paternity?
    • A: No, it’s not used for paternity testing.
  7. Q: Are HLA tests painful?
    • A: No, they typically involve a blood draw or cheek swab.
  8. Q: How long does it take to get HLA typing results?
    • A: Results may take a few days to weeks, depending on the method used.
  9. Q: Are there risks associated with HLA typing?
    • A: Risks are minimal; it’s a routine blood test.
  10. Q: Can HLA typing detect all genetic diseases?
    • A: No, it specifically focuses on immune system-related genes.
  11. Q: Can identical twins have different HLA types?
    • A: No, they share identical HLA types.
  12. Q: Can HLA typing predict all potential organ matches?
    • A: It significantly improves the likelihood but doesn’t guarantee a match.
  13. Q: How often should HLA typing be done for organ recipients?
    • A: Typically once, but additional testing may be needed.
  14. Q: Can HLA typing be done during pregnancy?
    • A: Yes, it’s safe to perform during pregnancy.
  15. Q: Are there age restrictions for HLA typing?
    • A: No, it can be done at any age.
  16. Q: Can lifestyle choices affect HLA types?
    • A: No, HLA types are genetically determined.
  17. Q: Can HLA typing be done for non-medical purposes?
    • A: Generally, it’s a medical test, but there are exceptions for research.
  18. Q: Can HLA typing determine susceptibility to infections?
    • A: It’s not designed for that purpose; other tests are more appropriate.
  19. Q: How accurate is HLA typing?
    • A: Modern methods provide high accuracy.
  20. Q: Can HLA typing change over time?
    • A: No, it remains constant throughout life.
  21. Q: Can HLA typing be used for forensic purposes?
    • A: In some cases, it can aid in identifying individuals.
  22. Q: Can HLA typing diagnose autoimmune diseases?
    • A: It’s not a diagnostic tool but may provide insights.
  23. Q: Can HLA typing predict response to medications?
    • A: Limited; it’s not a primary tool for predicting drug responses.
  24. Q: Can a person have more than one HLA type?
    • A: No, each person has a unique combination.
  25. Q: Can HLA typing detect cancer?
    • A: It’s not a cancer detection tool.
  26. Q: Can animals undergo HLA typing?
    • A: No, it’s specific to humans.
  27. Q: Can HLA typing identify specific allergens?
    • A: No, it focuses on immune system genes.
  28. Q: Can HLA typing be done at home?
    • A: No, it’s typically done in a clinical setting.
  29. Q: Does HLA typing determine blood type?
    • A: No, blood typing is a separate test.
  30. Q: Can HLA typing predict the risk of developing specific diseases?
    • A: It’s not a direct predictor; it’s used in association studies.

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