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The pregnancy blood test price in Kenya varies from one laboratory to the next. Prices range from KES 1,400 to KES 6,050.
Other than the price of pregnancy blood test in Kenya, this article explores the pregnancy blood test, the types of pregnancy blood tests, and why many people choose the blood test over the urine test. We will compare the cost of doing this test, where is it offered and what are some factors that would influence one’s choice for the lab to have this test done.
What is a pregnancy blood test?
The pregnancy test checks for the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) that is produced during pregnancy. This test can be done using urine or blood. The urine test kits are locally available in hospitals, chemists, and pharmacies. The blood test for pregnancy is done in laboratories with specialized kits and equipment.
The pregnancy blood test can be done as early as 7 days to 14 weeks post conception and it is 99 percent accurate as it detects the minute amounts of hCG in blood. There are two types of pregnancy blood tests:
- Quantitative blood test (beta hCG) that measures the exact amount of hCG and can estimate gestation in the pregnancy. This is the most commonly done in Kenya.
- Qualitative blood test checks for the presence of hCG and can not tell how far along one is in the pregnancy
With increasing cases of hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, cancer, and PCOS, many women today increasingly opt for the pregnancy blood test. Why would one opt for the blood pregnancy test and not the urine pregnancy test? Here are some reasons:
- It can detect even the lowest amounts of hCG unlike urine
- The blood test is highly sensitive and specific
- It is most accurate for those having infertility problems and has been on a fertility treatment
- To compare hCG levels during the pregnancy. hCG levels normally double every two days during the initial stages of the pregnancy. This test can help check if the pregnancy is progressing well.
- It can be recognized early if one is carrying twins as the hCG levels will be extremely high.
Pregnancy Blood Test Price in Kenya across different hospitals
The price of the pregnancy blood test in Kenya varies from one laboratory to the next. Prices range from KES 1,400 to KES 6,050. Below are some laboratories and their prices.
- University of Nairobi medical school offers the test for KES 1,500/-
- Labtestzote Laboratories located in Nairobi offers the test for KES 1,494.
- Cerba Lancet Africa laboratories Kenya, which has several branches in major cities across the country charges KES 2,949 for the beta hCG test.
- GTB scan Lab in Nakuru charges KES 2,900.
- In Thika, the Central Memorial Hospital offers this test for KES 3,247.
- In Mombasa, Labora Diagnostics Center does the pregnancy blood test for KES 3,300 while their counterparts and Island Medical Laboratory offer the test for KES 2,200
- In Kisumu, the Kanika International Medical Centre charges KES6050 for the pregnancy blood test
- Pathcare Kenya Limited, located in Westlands, Nairobi, offers the same test for KES 3,720. They are located in Nairobi and have branches across the country. They offer home sample collection services at a fee.
- Pathologist Lancet Kenya charges KES 3,837 for the pregnancy blood test. They have their main lab in Nairobi
- In Ruai, Haven Healthcare offers the pregnancy blood test for KES 3,500.
- In Upperhill, Nairobi, Crystal Lab pathologists offer the pregnancy blood test for KES 5,870.
Factors to consider when choosing a lab for the pregnancy lab test
The choice of which laboratory to visit for the pregnancy blood test will depend on different factors such as:
- The ability to afford the test. One lab could offer the test for a more affordable price than the other.
- Proven track record of a laboratory in producing quality results. One is more inclined to choose the lab that will give accurate, specific, and timely results.
- Turnaround time for the test. Depending on urgency, most people are likely to choose a laboratory that offers the test for less TAT
- Location. It’s more convenient to have this test in a laboratory close to you.
- Good customer service.
