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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis PCR Mycosure TB PCR Test

Detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA using Real-Time PCR. Includes drug sensitivity testing for Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. Recommended for individuals with TB symptoms or high-risk exposure.

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 (first morning sample, ideally collected on three consecutive days), Urine (first morning sample, 50mL minimum, ideally collected on three consecutive days), Blood (5-10mL), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) (2mL), Tissue Biopsy (fresh tissue in sterile normal saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block).
Results
Results are typically available within 1 day for negative results and up to 4 days for positive results. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Follow specific collection instructions provided by the laboratory. For sputum, collect the first morning sample. For urine, collect the first morning sample. Ensure aseptic collection techniques are used. Do not freeze specimens; ship refrigerated.
Test priceKSh 10,000

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 Mycobacterium Tuberculosis PCR Mycosure TB 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.

  • ✓Individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
  • ✓Individuals with a history of close contact with a confirmed TB case.
  • ✓Patients with compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV-positive individuals, those on immunosuppressive therapy).
  • ✓Patients with abnormal chest X-ray findings suggestive of TB.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response in TB patients.
  • ✓Detection of drug-resistant TB strains (Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide).
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) by detecting the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It also provides crucial drug sensitivity information for four key anti-TB medications, guiding effective treatment strategies and helping to manage drug resistance.
The Mycobacterium Tuberculosis PCR Mycosure TB PCR Test is a diagnostic tool used for the early detection of tuberculosis (TB). It uses advanced Real-Time PCR technology to identify the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in biological samples. Early diagnosis is important for starting treatment quickly and preventing the spread of the disease.

This test detects the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB. It also includes drug sensitivity testing for four key antibiotics: Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. This helps doctors choose the most effective treatment plan.

This test is recommended for individuals who:

* Have symptoms of TB, such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. * Have had close contact with someone diagnosed with TB. * Are at higher risk due to weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV patients, those on immunosuppressive therapy). * Have abnormal findings on a chest X-ray.

Benefits of this test include a relatively quick turnaround time, high accuracy in detecting TB, and drug sensitivity information to guide treatment. The test can be performed on various sample types, including sputum, urine, blood, and tissue biopsies.

Your healthcare provider will interpret the results. A positive result indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The drug sensitivity results will help determine the best course of treatment. Consult your doctor for a full explanation of your results.
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 collection instructions provided by the laboratory. For sputum, collect the first morning sample. For urine, collect the first morning sample. Ensure aseptic collection techniques are used. Do not freeze specimens; ship refrigerated.
SampleSputum (first morning sample, ideally collected on three consecutive days), Urine (first morning sample, 50mL minimum, ideally collected on three consecutive days), Blood (5-10mL), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) (2mL), Tissue Biopsy (fresh tissue in sterile normal saline or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded block).
MethodologyReal-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA. Drug sensitivity testing is performed using specific molecular methods to detect mutations associated with resistance to Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects the DNA of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A negative result does not completely rule out TB, especially in cases of low bacterial load or paucibacillary disease. The test's sensitivity may vary depending on the sample type and the presence of inhibitors. Drug sensitivity results are predictive and should be interpreted in the clinical context.
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 uses advanced PCR technology to detect the DNA of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). It also checks for resistance to four common TB medications.
Early diagnosis of TB is crucial for effective treatment and preventing its spread. This test provides rapid and accurate results, including drug sensitivity information.
Samples can include sputum, urine, blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or tissue biopsies. Your doctor will advise on the best sample type for your situation.
Results are generally available within 1 day if negative, and up to 4 days if positive. Please confirm the exact turnaround time with the laboratory.
A positive result indicates that Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was detected in your sample. The drug sensitivity results will help your doctor choose the right treatment.
You can book the test by calling or WhatsApping us at +254711564616. We have branches across Kenya.
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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