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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 12 Drugs Panel Test

This test identifies drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) by measuring the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to 12 different antitubercular drugs. It helps guide effective treatment planning.

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
Pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag. Samples should be shipped refrigerated. If pure growth is not available, the laboratory can process it from previously submitted specimens.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 33,000

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 Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 12 Drugs Panel 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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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

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.

  • ✓Suspected or confirmed tuberculosis (TB)
  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of TB (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss)
  • ✓History of previous TB treatment
  • ✓Close contact with a known TB patient
  • ✓Monitoring treatment effectiveness
  • ✓Evaluation for drug-resistant TB
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to determine the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex to 12 key antitubercular drugs, guiding appropriate treatment regimens, especially in cases of suspected or confirmed drug-resistant TB.
The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 12 Drugs Panel Test is a specialized diagnostic procedure designed to detect drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB). Given the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant TB, this test plays a crucial role in determining the most effective treatment options for patients. By identifying the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to a comprehensive panel of 12 antitubercular drugs, healthcare providers can tailor therapy to enhance patient outcomes.

This test measures the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex against the following 12 antitubercular drugs: Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide, Clofazimine, Ethionamide, Capreomycin, Kanamycin, Amikacin, Ofloxacin, and Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS).

Results from the test will indicate which drugs are effective against the specific strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis present. A healthcare provider will discuss these results to guide treatment decisions.
03

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.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

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

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

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.

3

Understand your report

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

05

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.
SamplePure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag. Samples should be shipped refrigerated. If pure growth is not available, the laboratory can process it from previously submitted specimens.
MethodologyCulture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) is performed on isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex to determine its sensitivity to a panel of 12 antitubercular drugs.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The test requires a cultured sample of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Results reflect sensitivity to the tested drugs in vitro and may not always perfectly predict clinical response. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

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.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
DST stands for Drug Susceptibility Testing. It helps determine which medications will be effective against a specific infection.
This test is crucial for identifying drug-resistant TB strains, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment and reducing the spread of resistant bacteria.
The test requires a sample containing pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, typically obtained from a previous culture. Your doctor or the laboratory will provide specific instructions.
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory before booking your test.
Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and discuss the appropriate treatment plan based on the drug sensitivities identified.
08

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.

Explore partnerships
09

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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