Medical information Clinical review pending

Dermatology Testing

Culture Malassezia Test

The Culture Malassezia Test helps identify Malassezia yeast, a common cause of skin conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. This test aids in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

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: Skin scrapings collected in a sterile container. The sample should be shipped refrigerated.
Results: Results are typically available within 2 days of receiving the sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is required for this test.

Test priceKSh 3,042

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 Culture Malassezia 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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+254

Insurer or scheme

Policy / member number (optional)

Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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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.

✓Persistent dandruff or flaking skin
✓Diagnosis or management of seborrheic dermatitis
✓Skin irritation or rashes unresponsive to standard treatments
✓Suspected fungal-related skin disorders
✓Patients with compromised immune systems experiencing skin issues

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps confirm or rule out the presence of Malassezia yeast as a contributing factor to specific skin conditions, guiding appropriate treatment decisions.

The Culture Malassezia Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of Malassezia yeast in skin samples. This yeast is often associated with various skin disorders. The test is valuable for dermatologists seeking to confirm the role of Malassezia in a patient's skin condition. It helps determine if the yeast is present and contributing to symptoms like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or other related skin issues. Understanding the presence of this organism allows for more effective and targeted treatment strategies. This test is particularly useful when standard treatments haven't been effective or when a definitive diagnosis is needed.

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.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

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.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

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 →

PreparationNo special preparation is required for this test.

SampleSkin scrapings collected in a sterile container. The sample should be shipped refrigerated.

MethodologyConventional culture and automated identification methods are used to detect and identify Malassezia species.

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

This test does not include antifungal sensitivity testing. A negative result does not completely rule out Malassezia involvement, as culture methods may not detect all strains or low levels of yeast. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

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.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Malassezia is a type of yeast commonly found on human skin. In some individuals, it can overgrow and contribute to skin conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

This test helps confirm if Malassezia yeast is present and potentially causing or contributing to your skin symptoms, guiding appropriate treatment.

A healthcare provider will typically collect a small sample of skin scrapings from the affected area. The sample is placed in a sterile container.

A positive result indicates that Malassezia yeast was detected in your skin sample. Your doctor will interpret this result in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

No, there is generally no special preparation required for the Culture Malassezia Test.

No, this test does not include antifungal sensitivity testing to determine which medications will be most effective.

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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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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