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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Streptococcus Pneumonia RNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae RNA, a common cause of pneumonia and other respiratory infections, using Real Time 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
Cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F), Bronchial swab, Bronchial lavage fluid. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required. Please bring any relevant clinical history related to your symptoms. A consent document will need to be signed.
Test priceKSh 11,764

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 Streptococcus Pneumonia 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.

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.

  • ✓Suspected pneumonia
  • ✓Respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, difficulty breathing)
  • ✓Diagnosis of meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • ✓Patients with severe respiratory infections
  • ✓Immunocompromised individuals with respiratory illness
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, helping clinicians make informed decisions about patient management and treatment.
The Streptococcus Pneumonia RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium frequently responsible for serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia. This test is valuable for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, as prompt identification allows for timely and targeted medical intervention.

This test employs Real Time PCR technology to specifically detect the RNA (genetic material) of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Samples such as cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F), bronchial swabs, or bronchial lavage fluid can be used. Detecting the pathogen's RNA helps healthcare providers confirm or exclude an infection caused by this specific bacterium.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain may benefit from this test. People with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems, who are more susceptible to severe infections, should discuss the need for testing with their doctor.
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 patient preparation is required. Please bring any relevant clinical history related to your symptoms. A consent document will need to be signed.
SampleCerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F), Bronchial swab, Bronchial lavage fluid. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyReal Time PCR (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 Streptococcus pneumoniae RNA but does not determine antibiotic resistance. A negative result does not completely rule out infection if the bacterial load is low or if the sample was collected improperly. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that commonly causes infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections.
Identifying Streptococcus pneumoniae helps doctors diagnose the cause of respiratory infections accurately and prescribe the most effective treatment.
Samples typically include cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F), bronchial swabs, or bronchial lavage fluid. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate sample.
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory when booking.
A positive result indicates that the RNA of Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected in the sample, suggesting an infection.
A negative result suggests that Streptococcus pneumoniae RNA was not detected in the sample. Discuss the implications with your healthcare provider.
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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