Supported Tests
Kenya . Rest of Eastern Africa . Rest of Africa
Tissue Pathology
Histology (Surgical Pathology)
Immunohistochemistry
Pap Smears and other exfoliative cytologies
Fine-needle aspiration cytology
Tissue Pathology Test Details
Histology (Surgical Pathology, Histopathology)
Sample Preparation & Packaging
Tissue submitted for histological analysis will need to have been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and packaged according to standard packaging protocols for shipping of biological substances. Training on sample fixation and packaging will be provided during your orientation and & onboarding should you need it. We recommend that samples be released to us within 24 hours of surgery for the best results. More information on test ordering, sample handover and shipping arrangements can be found in your orientation documents.
Standard
– 7 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling)
Express
– 1 or 3 calendar day turnaround time for express diagnostic testing (depending on region)
Second Opinions
– 1 or 3 calendar day turnaround time for express diagnostic testing (depending on region)
Ordering
Order this test on spes360.com or the Spes360 Clinician App. Your tissue sample will, by default, be examined and reported on by pathologists in your country. You may change this setting when you place your order and request for international reporting. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting for malignancies in line with international best practice and as endorsed by the TPN Medical Governance Council.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists.
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day though out the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know.
Immunohistochemistry
Sample Preparation & Packaging
A request for IHC is normally initiated by the pathologist as an additional test on a sample already submitted for histological assessment. If the order for IHC is made by a pathologist within the Network, no additional sample preparation or packaging is required. If histological assessment was performed by a laboratory/pathologist outside the Network on the sample you wanted analysed with IHC, then the appropriate tissue block will need to selected by the ordering pathologist, labelled, packaged and shipped to The Pathology Network for IHC analysis. If there is no ordering pathologist to select the appropriate tissue block for IHC, please contact us for assistance.
Standard
– 7 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling)
Ordering
IHC testing may be accessed from The Pathology Network in two ways.
If IHC is required on a tissue sample already submitted for histological assessment to The Pathology Network, we will inform you of this requirement and await payment. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one. Once payment is made, our partners will process the immunohistochemistry request and deliver the final diagnosis.
You may wish to have IHC performed on a sample which is outside the Network. In this case you will need to register here and order any of the following:
✔ IHC staining only – we will perform the requested tests and ship/scan the IHC slides for interpretation by the ordering pathologist.
✔ Review and IHC reporting – our partner pathologists will review the case, select the appropriate tissue block, order appropriate markers and issue a report.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting for malignancies in line with international best practice and as endorsed by the TPN Standards and Credentialing Council.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists.
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day though out the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know.
Available Markers
We offer more than 40 markers, which are available on the DAKO platform. They include, but are not limited to:
ER, PR, HER2, KI67, E-Cadherin, P53, TTF, P63, ALK, Cytokeratin AE1/AE3, Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), Cytokeratin 5/6, CD34, CD3 (T-cell marker), CD5, CD10, CD15, CD20 (B-cell marker), CD30, CD31, CD45, TDT, MUM1, CDX2, Cytokeratin 20 (CK20), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), S100, HMB45, Melan A, Calretinin, CD117, Inhibitin, Synaptophysin, Prostate-Specific Antien (PSA), AMACR, Hepar1, AFP, Vimentin, Myogenin, ASMA, PAX8, and EMA.
Pap Smears and other exfoliative cytologies
Sample Preparation & Packaging
Pap smear samples and other samples submitted for fluid cytology will need to be submitted according to the orientation guidance provided during the on-boarding process. If in doubt on how to fix or package a cytological sample, please reach out via our online channels or on phone you will be assisted
Turnaround Times
We maintain turnaround times by using algorithms to distribute samples between our partner laboratories and pathologists in the most efficient manner. Using technology, we monitor turnaround time in real-time and can predict potential delays before they occur. Learn more about how we manage turnaround time.
- Standard – 3 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling.
- Express – 1 calendar day (depending on region).
Ordering
Order this test on www.spes360.com or the Spes360 Clinician App. Your cytological sample will, by default, be examined and reported on by cytologists and pathologists in your country. You may change this setting when you place your order and request for international reporting. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting using international criteria for both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytological samples. Click here for more information on The Pathology Network reporting standards.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day though out the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know. We also provide each clinician with a personal laboratory advising partner who is a trained laboratory professional familiar with the testing and with our processes.
Fine Needle Aspirates
Sample Preparation & Packaging
Fine needle aspirates (FNAs) must be submitted as a minimum of two slide smears previously fixed in 95% ethanol and minimum and air-dried. All fine needle aspirate samples should be well-labeled and triple-packaged for protection. If in doubt about how to fix or package an FNA sample, please reach out via our online channels or by phone, and you will be assisted.
Turnaround Times
We maintain turnaround times by using algorithms to distribute samples between our partner laboratories and pathologists in the most efficient manner. Using technology, we monitor turnaround time in real-time and can predict potential delays before they occur. Learn more about how we manage turnaround time.
- Standard – 3 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling.
- Express – 1 calendar day (depending on region).
Ordering
Order this test on www.spes360.com or the Spes360 Clinician App. Your cytological sample will, by default, be examined and reported on by cytologists and pathologists in your country. You may change this setting when you place your order and request for international reporting. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting using international criteria for both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytological samples. Click here for more information on The Pathology Network reporting standards.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day though out the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know. We also provide each clinician with a personal laboratory advising partner who is a trained laboratory professional familiar with the testing and with our processes.
Haemotology Test Details
Peripheral Blood Film
Sample Preparation & Packaging
All peripheral blood films submitted for processing and interpretation must be prepared and fixed on-site, as a transit time of less than 2 hours may not be guaranteed. The blood should be spread on a slide using a standardized technique to make a thin film with a “tail” shape. The film should then be air-dried, and fixed with absolute methanol for 5 minutes, and left to dry. The dry films should be transported in a slide holder kit to prevent damage or loss during transit.
To ensure the accuracy of our diagnostic procedures, it is recommended that PBF samples are accompanied by 4 mL of blood collected in an appropriate anticoagulant tube (EDTA anticoagulant is desirable). The tube should be labeled clearly with patient information, and securely packaged in leak-proof tubes or containers. If the hospital chooses to send a blood sample (recommended), it should be packaged and transported in a cooler box at a temperature of between 20C and 80C to maintain the integrity of the specimen.
If you are unsure of how to fix or package a peripheral blood film sample, please reach out via our online channels or by phone. You will be assisted.
We maintain turnaround times by using algorithms to distribute samples efficiently between our partner laboratories and pathologists. Using technology, we monitor turnaround time in real-time and can predict potential delays before they occur.
- Standard – 3 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling.
- Express – 1 calendar day (depending on region).
Ordering
Order this test on www.spes360.com or the Spes360 Clinician App. Your cytological sample will, by default, be examined and reported on by cytologists and pathologists in your country. You may change this setting when you place your order and request for international reporting. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting using international criteria for both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytological samples. Click here for more information on The Pathology Network reporting standards.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day throughout the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know. We also provide each clinician with a personal laboratory advising partner who is a trained laboratory professional familiar with the testing and with our processes.
Bone Marrow Aspirate
Sample Preparation & Packaging
Bone marrow aspirate smears submitted to The Pathology Network for processing should be made, preferably, at the bedside as soon as the sample is collected. This gives specimens with the clearest cellular details. The sample must be drained of excess blood to avoid background staining that obscures cellular morphology.
Like peripheral blood films, bone marrow smears should be allowed to dry completely and fixed in absolute methanol for 20 – 30 minutes. Once dry, they can be packed in a slide holder and shipped. The appropriate volume (4 ml) of aspirate should be collected in an EDTA tube, labelled clearly, and securely packaged in leak-proof containers. The samples should also be transported in a cooler box with the appropriate temperature ranging between 20C – 80C. All requests for bone marrow aspirate evaluation should be accompanied by the following:
- Bone marrow aspirate smears prepared at the bedside, dried and fixed
- Bone marrow aspirate specimen in an EDTA tube.
- 2 peripheral blood smear slides (PBF), dried and fixed
- Haemogram with differential count
- Blood sample in an EDTA tube.
If you are unsure of how to fix or package a BMA sample, please contact us via our online channels or by phone, and you will be assisted.
We maintain turnaround times by using algorithms to distribute samples efficiently between our partner laboratories and pathologists. Using technology, we monitor turnaround time in real-time and can predict potential delays before they occur.
- Standard – 3 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling). For BMA samples accompanied by bone marrow biopsy, a 7-calendar day turnaround time will apply.
. - Express – 1 calendar day (depending on region).
Ordering
Order this test on www.spes360.com or the Spes360 Clinician App. Your cytological sample will, by default, be examined and reported on by cytologists and pathologists in your country. You may change this setting when you place your order and request for international reporting. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting using international criteria for both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytological samples. Click here for more information on The Pathology Network reporting standards.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day throughout the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know. We also provide each clinician with a personal laboratory advising partner who is a trained laboratory professional familiar with the testing and with our processes.
Trephine Biopsy
Sample Preparation & Packaging
Trephine biopsy samples submitted for processing will need to be fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and packaged according to standard packaging protocols for shipping biological substances. The trephine biopsy specimen should be 20 mm to 50 mm long (the ideal is 40 mm).
Training on sample fixation and packaging will be provided during your orientation and onboarding. For the best results, we recommend that samples be released to us within 24 hours of surgery.
To ensure the accuracy of our diagnostic procedures, it is recommended that trephine biopsy samples be accompanied by 2 peripheral blood film slides. These slides provide a microscopic examination of the blood cells and can provide complementary information to the trephine biopsy. This information can aid in the interpretation of the trephine biopsy results and provide a more comprehensive assessment of the patient’s condition.
Additionally, the specimen should be accompanied by at least 4mL of blood collected in a purple vacutainer bottle.
If you are unsure how to fix or package a trephine biopsy sample, please contact us via our online channels or by phone; you will be assisted.
Turnaround Times
We maintain turnaround times by using algorithms to distribute samples efficiently between our partner laboratories and pathologists. Using technology, we monitor turnaround time in real-time and can predict potential delays before they occur.
- Standard – 3 calendar days for in-country primary diagnosis (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling.
- Express – 1 calendar day (depending on region).
Ordering
Order this test on www.spes360.com or the Spes360 Clinician App. Your cytological sample will, by default, be examined and reported on by cytologists and pathologists in your country. You may change this setting when you place your order and request for international reporting. Payments may be made via credit card, MPESA or through your pre-paid account with The Pathology Network if you have one.
Reporting
Reporting of samples is based on international best practice. The Pathology Network recommends and supports synoptic reporting using international criteria for both gynaecological and non-gynaecological cytological samples. Click here for more information on The Pathology Network reporting standards.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account and the results will be available for your reference once released by our partner laboratories and pathologists
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need and we are available to support you 24 hours a day throughout the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know. We also provide each clinician with a personal laboratory advising partner who is a trained laboratory professional familiar with the testing and with our processes.
Molecular Test Details
HPV DNA Testing
Sample Preparation & Packaging
HPV samples submitted for DNA testing must be packaged in a sealed plastic tube and placed in a secure Ziplock bag. The bag must be sealed in a secondary, rigid, durable outer packaging container to ensure safe transportation to our receiving centres. Training on sample packaging will be provided during your orientation and & onboarding.
If you are unsure of how to package your HPV DNA sample, please get in touch with us via our online channels or by phone; you will be assisted.
We maintain turnaround times by using algorithms to distribute samples efficiently between our partner laboratories and pathologists. Using technology, we monitor turnaround time in real-time and can predict potential delays before they occur.
- Standard – 24 hours from the date of sample reception (+ 2 days with international shipping and handling.
Ordering
Ordering of HPV DNA tests will be done via our sister website, hpv.ke. Payments for this service may only be made via M-Pesa.
Receiving your results
You may track the progress of the testing process on your secure Spes360 account. Once released by our partner laboratories, the results will be available for your reference.
Support
The Pathology Network works to ensure you and your patients receive the specialised laboratory tests you need, and we are available to support you 24 hours a day throughout the testing process. Our online platforms and phone lines are always manned, and we will reach out to you if there is anything you need to know. We also provide each clinician with a personal laboratory advising partner who is a trained laboratory professional familiar with the testing and with our processes.
Kenya
All tests offered are supported and available to clients throughout all towns and cities in Kenya. Towns in the northern and Eastern regions of the country are subject to an additional logistical surcharge. Express histology is currently only available in Central Kenya. 24 hour histology services are coming soon to Nairobi and environs. We are currently expanding our network of partner laboratories in Kenya. Interested? Click here.
Histology Standard – 7 days
Cytology – 5 days
Pap Smears and Other Exfoliative Cytologies
Immunohistochemistry – 7 working days
HPV DNA testing – 7 working days
(The Pathology Network works to ensure that our clients enjoy these turnaround times for at 90% of their test results)
Histology Standard – 9 days
Histology Express – 5 days
Cytology – 7 days
Immunohistochemistry – 7 working days
HPV DNA Testing – 7 working days
Services available through international referral. If you own a laboratory in South Sudan and would like to partner with The Pathology Network, please click here.
Histology Standard – 9 days
Histology Express – 5 days
Immunohistochemistry – 7 working days
HPV DNA Testing – 7 working days