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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Cultured AFB Other Than Tuberculosis MOTT DST For Rapid Growers Test

This test helps identify non-tuberculous mycobacterial (MOTT) infections, particularly rapid-growing types, and determines the best antibiotic 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
Sputum, tissue biopsy, or other relevant body fluid sample. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Follow specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory regarding sample collection. Generally, no special preparation is needed for sputum samples, but specific instructions may apply to other sample types.
Test priceKSh 21,000

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 Other Than Tuberculosis MOTT DST For Rapid Growers 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.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of mycobacterial infection (e.g., chronic cough, fever, weight loss).
  • ✓Diagnosis of lung disease.
  • ✓Patients with weakened immune systems.
  • ✓Confirmation of MOTT infection after initial screening.
  • ✓Guiding antibiotic therapy for suspected MOTT infection.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response in known MOTT cases.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Identifies non-tuberculous mycobacteria (MOTT), particularly rapid-growing strains. Determines antibiotic susceptibility to guide effective treatment.
This test is used to identify infections caused by mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT). These infections can affect various parts of the body, especially the lungs, and can be challenging to diagnose and treat. The test specifically looks for rapid-growing MOTT strains.

It involves culturing a sample to grow the mycobacteria and then testing which antibiotics are effective against the specific strain found. This process is known as Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST).

This test is important for patients who may have symptoms suggestive of a mycobacterial infection, especially if tuberculosis has been ruled out. It helps guide doctors in choosing the most appropriate antibiotic therapy for effective treatment.
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 →
PreparationFollow specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory regarding sample collection. Generally, no special preparation is needed for sputum samples, but specific instructions may apply to other sample types.
SampleSputum, tissue biopsy, or other relevant body fluid sample. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyCulture-based method (Broth Microdilution) to grow mycobacteria and test susceptibility to various antibiotics.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The test requires a viable sample containing the mycobacteria. Results depend on the quality of the sample and the growth characteristics of the specific MOTT strain. Susceptibility results may not predict clinical response perfectly.
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

MOTT stands for Mycobacterium Other Than Tuberculosis. These are bacteria related to the one that causes tuberculosis but cause different types of infections.
It helps identify the specific type of MOTT causing an infection and determines which antibiotics will be effective for treatment.
Typically, a sputum sample is used, but other samples like tissue biopsies or fluids may be required depending on the suspected site of infection. Please confirm with your doctor or the lab.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
This refers to a specific group of MOTT bacteria that grow relatively quickly in the lab compared to other types, which can influence treatment choices.
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.

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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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