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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

HLA Hypersensitivity to Abacavir B5701 Test

The HLA Hypersensitivity to Abacavir B5701 Test identifies genetic markers linked to severe allergic reactions to the HIV medication Abacavir. This test helps guide safer treatment choices for individuals with HIV.

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
4 mL (3 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube, or 6 mL (3 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Yellow Top (ACD) tube, or Buccal swab collected in a sterile container.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 16,000

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 HLA Hypersensitivity to Abacavir B5701 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 HIV considering Abacavir therapy
  • ✓Patients with a history of drug allergies
  • ✓Patients with a family history of adverse drug reactions
  • ✓Screening before initiating Abacavir treatment
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps prevent potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to the antiretroviral drug Abacavir in individuals with HIV.
The HLA Hypersensitivity to Abacavir B5701 Test is a genetic analysis used to determine if a person carries a specific genetic marker, HLA-B*5701. This marker is strongly associated with an increased risk of developing a potentially severe hypersensitivity reaction (allergic reaction) to the antiretroviral drug Abacavir, commonly used in HIV treatment.

This test is crucial for patients living with HIV who are starting or considering Abacavir therapy. Knowing your HLA-B*5701 status allows your doctor to make informed decisions about your medication, potentially avoiding serious side effects and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your HIV treatment plan.

Understanding your genetic predisposition to Abacavir hypersensitivity empowers you and your healthcare provider to choose the most appropriate and safest treatment options.
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.
Sample4 mL (3 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube, or 6 mL (3 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Yellow Top (ACD) tube, or Buccal swab collected in a sterile container.
MethodologyGenetic analysis to detect the presence of the HLA-B*5701 allele.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test only identifies the presence of the HLA-B*5701 allele. While strongly associated with Abacavir hypersensitivity, it does not guarantee a reaction will occur, nor does its absence guarantee safety. 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

Abacavir hypersensitivity is a potentially severe allergic reaction to the HIV medication Abacavir. Symptoms can include fever, rash, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
This test identifies individuals at high risk for Abacavir hypersensitivity, allowing doctors to choose safer alternative treatments and prevent serious adverse reactions.
A positive result indicates the presence of the HLA-B*5701 allele, suggesting a higher risk of hypersensitivity to Abacavir. Your doctor will likely recommend avoiding this medication.
A negative result means the HLA-B*5701 allele was not detected, suggesting a lower risk of Abacavir hypersensitivity. However, discuss the results with your doctor.
If you are already taking Abacavir and test positive, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop medication without medical advice.
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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