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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Hepatitis B Virus Genotyping Drug Resistance Quantitative PCR Test

This test measures the amount of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in your blood, identifies the virus genotype, and detects mutations that may cause resistance to antiviral medications. It helps guide effective treatment for liver disorders.

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
3 mL (2 mL minimum) plasma from two Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes.
Results
Reports are typically available within 7 days of sample receipt. Samples are collected daily by 11 AM. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
A 12-hour fasting period is recommended before sample collection. Confirm specific preparation instructions with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 36,270

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 Hepatitis B Virus Genotyping Drug Resistance Quantitative PCR 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.

  • ✓Monitoring response to antiviral therapy for Hepatitis B.
  • ✓Assessing risk of treatment failure due to drug resistance.
  • ✓Guiding selection of appropriate antiviral medication.
  • ✓Diagnosing chronic Hepatitis B infection.
  • ✓Evaluating patients with liver disease.
  • ✓Identifying HBV genotype for epidemiological purposes.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test provides crucial information for managing Hepatitis B infection. It helps determine the viral load, identify the virus genotype, and detect drug resistance mutations. This information allows healthcare providers to select the most effective antiviral therapy, monitor treatment response, and make informed decisions about adjustments to the treatment plan.
The Hepatitis B Virus Genotyping Drug Resistance Quantitative PCR Test is a molecular diagnostic tool used to assess Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This test measures the viral load (the amount of virus) in your blood. It also identifies the specific genotype of the HBV and detects mutations that might make the virus resistant to certain antiviral drugs. Understanding these details is essential for managing HBV infection effectively and tailoring treatment plans. This test is particularly important for individuals undergoing antiviral therapy or those with chronic HBV infection.
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 →
PreparationA 12-hour fasting period is recommended before sample collection. Confirm specific preparation instructions with the laboratory before booking.
Sample3 mL (2 mL minimum) plasma from two Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes.
MethodologyQuantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used to measure the viral load and detect specific HBV genotypes and drug resistance mutations.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects specific mutations associated with drug resistance but may not identify all possible resistance mechanisms. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other relevant tests. 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

This test measures the amount of Hepatitis B virus (viral load) in your blood, identifies the virus genotype, and detects mutations that may cause resistance to antiviral medications.
It helps your doctor choose the most effective treatment for Hepatitis B, monitor how well the treatment is working, and adjust the plan if needed, especially if drug resistance is suspected.
Yes, a 12-hour fasting period is recommended before sample collection. Please confirm specific instructions with the laboratory.
A blood sample is drawn into Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. The plasma is then separated and sent to the laboratory. We offer home sample collection services.
Results are typically available within 7 days of receiving the sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
'Genotyping' identifies the specific type of Hepatitis B virus. 'Drug resistance' means the virus has changed in a way that makes certain antiviral medications less effective.
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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