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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype Test

The Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype Test identifies the specific strain of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in your blood. This information is crucial for effective treatment planning and monitoring.

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
2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum from 1 SST tube OR 2 mL (1 mL minimum) plasma from 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube. Serum or plasma must be separated aseptically within 1 hour of collection.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
A 12-hour overnight fast is recommended before the test.
Test priceKSh 13,000

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 Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype 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.

  • ✓Individuals with symptoms suggestive of liver disease.
  • ✓People with risk factors for Hepatitis C infection.
  • ✓Patients who have tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies.
  • ✓Monitoring response to Hepatitis C treatment.
  • ✓Determining the specific strain of HCV for tailored therapy.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test identifies the specific genotype of the Hepatitis C virus, which is essential for guiding appropriate antiviral therapy, predicting treatment response, and monitoring treatment effectiveness. It helps healthcare providers select the most effective medication regimen for the patient.
The Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence and type of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the bloodstream. This test is important for managing Hepatitis C infections, as knowing the specific genotype helps healthcare providers choose the most effective treatment plan. Understanding the genotype can also help predict how well a patient might respond to therapy. This test measures the viral RNA of Hepatitis C, identifying the genotype. There are several genotypes of HCV, and knowing which one a patient has can significantly impact treatment options and prognosis. This test is recommended for individuals with symptoms of liver disease, those with risk factors for Hepatitis C, or patients who have tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies.
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 overnight fast is recommended before the test.
Sample2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum from 1 SST tube OR 2 mL (1 mL minimum) plasma from 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube. Serum or plasma must be separated aseptically within 1 hour of collection.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects the presence and genotype of HCV RNA. It does not provide information on other liver conditions or infections. 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 detects the presence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in your blood and identifies its specific genotype (strain).
Knowing the HCV genotype helps your doctor choose the most effective treatment plan for you and predict how well the treatment might work.
Individuals with symptoms of liver disease, those with risk factors for Hepatitis C, or anyone who has tested positive for Hepatitis C antibodies should consider this test.
Yes, a 12-hour overnight fast is recommended before sample collection.
A blood sample is required for this test. The laboratory will specify the type of collection tube needed.
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
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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