Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Pneumosystis Carinii RNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects Pneumocystis jirovecii RNA to diagnose Pneumocystis pneumonia, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Utilizes Real Time RT-PCR technology.

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 specimens, Skin biopsy specimens (from disseminated nodular skin lesions), Tissue specimens (brain, skin, soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, bone marrow), Peripheral blood specimens, Respiratory secretions.
Results: Results are typically available within 36-48 hours. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required. Please ensure a consent document is signed and relevant clinical history is available.

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 Pneumosystis Carinii RNA 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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+254

Insurer or scheme

Policy / member number (optional)

Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

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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 Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
✓Respiratory distress or persistent cough
✓Immunocompromised patients (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy)
✓Patients with unexplained pulmonary infiltrates
✓Monitoring treatment response in PCP cases

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), a serious lung infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, potentially preventing severe complications.

The Pneumosystis Carinii RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify the presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus known to cause severe pneumonia, especially in people with compromised immune systems. This test is particularly relevant for patients with conditions like HIV/AIDS or those undergoing treatments that suppress immunity, such as chemotherapy. Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and improving patient outcomes.

This test specifically looks for the RNA of Pneumocystis jirovecii in various biological samples. It employs Real Time RT-PCR technology, which is known for its accuracy and reliability in detecting genetic material.

Individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms, persistent cough, or those with a known history of immunosuppression should consider this test. It is also recommended for patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or those receiving immunosuppressive therapies.

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.

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A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

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.

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

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 specific patient preparation is required. Please ensure a consent document is signed and relevant clinical history is available.

SampleFresh tissue biopsy specimens, Skin biopsy specimens (from disseminated nodular skin lesions), Tissue specimens (brain, skin, soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, bone marrow), Peripheral blood specimens, Respiratory secretions.

MethodologyReal Time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)

PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.

This test detects the presence of Pneumocystis jirovecii RNA but does not quantify the amount. A negative result does not completely rule out infection, especially if the sample quality is poor or the organism load is low. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Read your report

What common result terms mean

TermPlain-language meaning

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.

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

PCP is a serious lung infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. It primarily affects people with weakened immune systems.

Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressant medications, are at higher risk.

A positive result indicates that the RNA of Pneumocystis jirovecii was detected in the sample, suggesting an active infection. Your doctor will interpret this in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

A negative result suggests that Pneumocystis jirovecii RNA was not detected in the sample. However, it doesn't completely rule out infection. Discuss the result with your doctor.

Samples can include respiratory secretions, blood, tissue biopsies, or skin biopsies, depending on the clinical situation. Your doctor will determine the appropriate sample type.

You can book the test by calling or WhatsApping us at +254711564616. We have branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, and offer home sample collection.

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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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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