Medical Tests & Scans Prices
Updated March 2026 · Healthcare & Diagnostics
If you are visiting a private clinic or laboratory (like Lancet or PathCare) in Zambia without health insurance, diagnostic tests can be a significant out-of-pocket expense. Compare costs for Routine Blood Work, Radiology Scans (CT/MRI), and Paternity DNA Tests.
Routine Blood & Lab Tests
These are average prices for "wellness" blood tests typically requested during a standard medical checkup at a private laboratory.
Full Blood Count (FBC)
ZMK 150 – 250
Standard wellness test to check overall health.
Liver Function Test (LFT)
ZMK 250 – 400
Checks liver enzymes and health.
Kidney Function Test (U&E)
ZMK 250 – 400
Checks urea, electrolytes, and creatinine.
Fasting Blood Sugar / HbA1c
ZMK 100 – 350
Diabetes screening. HbA1c is more expensive (around 350).
Lipid Profile (Cholesterol)
ZMK 300 – 450
Checks HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
Radiology: X-Rays, Ultrasounds & MRI
Advanced imaging is costly. An MRI or CT scan must be referred by a doctor. Prices vary widely based on whether you go to a mid-tier clinic or a premium private hospital.
| Scan Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Scan (Abdomen/Pelvic) Common for pregnancy or abdominal pain. Average is ~K400. | ZMK 300 – 800 |
| X-Ray (Chest or Limb) Basic bone and lung imaging. | ZMK 150 – 500 |
| CT Scan (Computed Tomography) Detailed 3D X-ray. NHIMA is expanding coverage in public hospitals. | ZMK 1,500 – 5,000+ |
| MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance) Advanced soft-tissue and brain imaging. Prices vary significantly by facility. | ZMK 3,000 – 8,000+ |
Paternity DNA Testing
DNA tests are rarely conducted locally; samples (usually mouth swabs) are collected by Zambian clinics and shipped to accredited labs in South Africa or India. Results take 7 to 10 working days.
Paternity DNA Test (Legal)
Legally admissible for court/child maintenance.
ZMK 4,000 – 5,500
Paternity DNA Test (Peace of Mind)
Not for legal use; strictly for personal knowledge.
ZMK 3,000 – 4,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DNA test cost in Zambia?
A standard "peace of mind" paternity DNA test costs between ZMK 3,000 and ZMK 4,500. If you need the results for legal purposes, you must take a Legal DNA Test, which costs between ZMK 4,000 and ZMK 5,500. Some imported at-home kits can cost upwards of ZMK 6,900 including lab fees and shipping.
How much is an MRI scan in Zambia?
MRI scans generally range from ZMK 3,000 to ZMK 8,000+ depending on the facility and body part being scanned. Notably, the government has recently commissioned new CT and MRI machines in several public hospitals (like UTH and Levy Mwanawasa), which are covered under NHIMA, significantly reducing the burden for registered members.
Where can I get affordable medical tests?
Government hospitals and clinics offer the cheapest tests, sometimes heavily subsidized or free under NHIMA. For private testing, specialized laboratories like PathCare, Lancet, and Sanket Diagnostic offer comprehensive testing, while private hospitals charge a premium.
Is a doctor's referral required for scans?
For basic blood tests, you can often request them as a "wellness check" at a private lab. However, for radiological scans like X-Rays, CT Scans, and MRI Scans, you **must** have a written referral from a registered medical doctor.