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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

MRSA Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus Aureus Multiplex Detection Differentiation DNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects the genetic material of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacteria resistant to many antibiotics, using a DNA-based test. Essential for early diagnosis and appropriate 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
Samples accepted include skin boils, biopsies, whole blood, skin lesions, tissue, nasal secretions, and nasal swabs. Confirm specific sample type requirements with the laboratory before collection.
Results
Results are typically available within 36 hours via phone and 48 hours via email. Confirm current turnaround times with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. However, please inform the laboratory if you are currently taking any antibiotics or have recently received treatment for an infection. Ensure you sign the consent document and provide relevant clinical history.
Test priceKSh 15,300

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 MRSA Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus Aureus Multiplex Detection Differentiation DNA Detection Qualitative 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 MRSA skin or soft tissue infection.
  • ✓Persistent infections unresponsive to standard antibiotics.
  • ✓Screening individuals at high risk for MRSA.
  • ✓Patients with symptoms suggestive of MRSA (e.g., fever, swelling, redness).
  • ✓Pre-operative screening in certain cases.
  • ✓Epidemiological investigations of MRSA outbreaks.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps healthcare providers identify MRSA infections quickly and accurately. This allows for timely implementation of appropriate infection control measures and targeted antibiotic therapy, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications associated with resistant bacterial infections.
This test identifies the presence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. MRSA is a type of staph infection that is resistant to several common antibiotics, making it challenging to treat. Early detection is crucial for effective management and preventing the spread of infection. This test uses advanced molecular techniques to detect MRSA's genetic material directly from patient samples. It is a qualitative test, meaning it indicates whether MRSA is present or not. We offer this test at our facilities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other locations, with home sample collection available.
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. However, please inform the laboratory if you are currently taking any antibiotics or have recently received treatment for an infection. Ensure you sign the consent document and provide relevant clinical history.
SampleSamples accepted include skin boils, biopsies, whole blood, skin lesions, tissue, nasal secretions, and nasal swabs. Confirm specific sample type requirements with the laboratory before collection.
MethodologyReal-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used to detect the specific genetic markers of MRSA.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects the presence of MRSA genetic material but does not determine antibiotic susceptibility. A negative result does not completely rule out MRSA infection, especially if the sample quality is poor or the bacterial load is low. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings.
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

MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a type of bacteria that causes infections resistant to many common antibiotics.
Early detection of MRSA allows for prompt and appropriate treatment, preventing complications and the spread of infection.
Various samples can be used, including swabs from skin lesions or nasal passages, tissue biopsies, blood, or fluid from boils. Please confirm the required sample with the lab.
Results are generally available within 36 hours by phone and 48 hours by email. Please confirm the current turnaround time.
A negative result suggests MRSA was not detected in the sample. However, factors like sample quality or low bacterial load can affect results. Discuss the results with your doctor.
No special preparation is usually required. Inform the lab if you are on antibiotics and ensure you provide clinical history and sign the consent form.
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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