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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test

Detects and quantifies Malassezia fungi in tissue or blood samples to aid in diagnosing skin lesions and systemic symptoms.

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
Fresh tissue biopsy, skin biopsy (disseminated nodular lesions), tissue specimens (Head, skin and soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, bone marrow), peripheral blood, or respiratory secretions.
Results
Typically 4 working days. Email results available within 48 hours, phone results within 36 hours. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Patients need to sign a consent document and provide relevant clinical history.
Test priceKSh 17,000

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 Pan Malassezia Quantitative 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.

  • ✓Disseminated nodular skin lesions
  • ✓Persistent skin infections
  • ✓Systemic symptoms suggestive of fungal infection
  • ✓Compromised immune system
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response for Malassezia infections
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify Malassezia species, a type of fungus, in various body samples. It quantifies the amount of fungus present, which can assist clinicians in diagnosing conditions associated with Malassezia, such as certain skin infections or systemic fungal infections, especially in patients with specific symptoms or compromised immune systems.
The Pan Malassezia Quantitative Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used to identify and measure the amount of Malassezia fungi in various samples. This test is particularly useful for individuals experiencing widespread skin nodules or other systemic symptoms potentially related to fungal infections. By determining the presence and quantity of Malassezia, healthcare providers can better understand the condition and guide appropriate treatment strategies. This test can be performed on fresh tissue biopsies, skin biopsies from disseminated nodular lesions, tissues from different body sites (including head, skin, eye, bone, lung, heart valve, bone marrow), peripheral blood, and respiratory secretions.
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 →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Patients need to sign a consent document and provide relevant clinical history.
SampleFresh tissue biopsy, skin biopsy (disseminated nodular lesions), tissue specimens (Head, skin and soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, bone marrow), peripheral blood, or respiratory secretions.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The test detects specific Malassezia species. Results must be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Confirm with the laboratory before booking for specific limitations.
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

Malassezia is a genus of fungi commonly found on human skin. In some cases, it can cause skin conditions or systemic infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Samples can include tissue biopsies, skin biopsies, blood, respiratory secretions, and tissues from various body sites. Your doctor will determine the appropriate sample.
Results are typically available within 4 working days. Email results are usually sent within 48 hours, and phone results within 36 hours. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
You will need to sign a consent form and provide your relevant medical history. Confirm with the laboratory before booking for any specific instructions.
The results indicate the presence and quantity of Malassezia in the sample. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
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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