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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Respiratory Panel 9 Test

The Respiratory Panel 9 Test identifies multiple common viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections, such as influenza, coronaviruses, and RSV. This comprehensive test helps diagnose the specific cause of respiratory 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
Nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, or sputum sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific preparation is required for this test. Inform the laboratory if you are currently taking any medications.
Test priceKSh 36,000

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 Respiratory Panel 9 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.

  • ✓Persistent cough
  • ✓Fever
  • ✓Shortness of breath
  • ✓Chest pain
  • ✓Fatigue
  • ✓Symptoms of respiratory infection
  • ✓Individuals at high risk for complications from respiratory illness
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify the specific pathogen causing respiratory symptoms, guiding appropriate treatment and management decisions. It is useful for differentiating between viral and bacterial infections and for tracking respiratory pathogens during outbreaks.
The Respiratory Panel 9 Test is a diagnostic tool used to detect a range of pathogens known to cause respiratory illnesses. It utilizes advanced Real Time PCR technology to identify specific viruses and bacteria responsible for conditions like the flu, common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This test is particularly useful when a quick and accurate diagnosis is needed to guide treatment decisions.

This comprehensive panel tests for the following pathogens: - Influenza A & B - Parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3 & 4 - Coronaviruses NL63, 229E, OC43 & HKU1 - Bocavirus - Mycoplasma pneumoniae - Respiratory syncytial virus A/B - Adenovirus - Chlamydia pneumoniae - Bordetella pertussis

This test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of a respiratory infection, especially when the cause is unclear. It can also be valuable for healthcare providers managing outbreaks or patients with underlying conditions that increase their risk of severe respiratory illness.
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 specific preparation is required for this test. Inform the laboratory if you are currently taking any medications.
SampleNasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, or sputum sample. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyReal Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects specific pathogens included in the panel. It may not detect all possible causes of respiratory illness. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation and other diagnostic 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

This test detects nine common respiratory pathogens: Influenza A & B, Parainfluenza viruses 1-4, Coronaviruses NL63, 229E, OC43 & HKU1, Bocavirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Respiratory syncytial virus A/B, Adenovirus, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis.
Individuals experiencing symptoms like persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain should consider this test. It is also recommended for those with risk factors for severe respiratory illness.
A sample is typically collected using a nasopharyngeal swab, throat swab, or sputum sample. Your healthcare provider or laboratory staff will guide you on the appropriate collection method.
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory before booking your test.
Sample collection may cause mild discomfort, such as a tickling sensation in the throat or nose, but it is generally not painful.
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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