Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Rsv A Rsv B Rna Detection Qualitative Test

Detects Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) A and B RNA in respiratory samples using Real Time PCR. Essential for diagnosing RSV infections, especially in vulnerable populations.

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: Bronchial Swab, Bronchial Lavage, Sputum, Nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirates and swabs in viral transport medium, Lung tissues.
Results: Results are typically available within 36 hours via phone and 48 hours via email. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required. Inform the laboratory of any relevant clinical history. A consent document must be signed prior to testing.

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 Rsv A Rsv B 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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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.

✓Symptoms of respiratory infection (cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fever, runny nose).
✓Infants and young children with respiratory symptoms.
✓Elderly individuals with respiratory symptoms.
✓Immunocompromised patients with respiratory symptoms.
✓Patients requiring differentiation from other respiratory viruses.
✓Hospitalized patients with suspected RSV infection.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test confirms the presence of RSV A or B RNA in a respiratory sample, aiding in the diagnosis of RSV infection. It helps clinicians distinguish RSV from other respiratory pathogens and guides appropriate management, particularly in high-risk patient groups.

The RSV A RSV B RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify infections caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be serious, especially for infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. This test utilizes Real Time PCR technology to detect the genetic material (RNA) of both RSV type A and type B strains in respiratory specimens. Accurate and timely detection is crucial for appropriate patient management and preventing complications. This test helps healthcare providers confirm the presence of RSV, differentiate it from other respiratory illnesses, and guide treatment decisions.

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. Inform the laboratory of any relevant clinical history. A consent document must be signed prior to testing.

SampleBronchial Swab, Bronchial Lavage, Sputum, Nasopharyngeal (NP) aspirates and swabs in viral transport medium, Lung tissues.

MethodologyReal Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

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

This is a qualitative test; it detects the presence or absence of RSV A/B RNA but does not quantify the viral load. Results are dependent on proper sample collection and handling. A negative result does not completely rule out RSV infection if the sample was collected late in the illness or if the viral load is very 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

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. It's a common virus that causes respiratory infections, often resembling a cold, but can be severe, especially in young children and older adults.

This test helps confirm if your respiratory symptoms are caused by RSV. Early diagnosis allows doctors to provide appropriate care and manage potential complications, especially in vulnerable individuals.

A sample from your respiratory tract is needed, such as a nasal swab, throat swab, sputum, or bronchial lavage fluid. Your doctor will determine the best sample type.

Results are generally available within 36 hours via phone and 48 hours via email. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.

A positive result indicates that RSV A or B RNA was detected in your sample, confirming an infection. A negative result suggests RSV was not detected. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for this specific test.

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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