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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cryptococcus Quantitative Test

The Cryptococcus Quantitative Test detects the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus, crucial for diagnosing infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This test helps guide treatment decisions.

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, tissue specimens (brain, skin, soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, bone marrow), peripheral blood specimens, or respiratory secretions.
Results
Results are typically available within 48 hours via email and 36 hours over the phone. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Patients need to sign a consent document and bring any relevant clinical history related to their health condition before the test.
Test priceKSh 16,320

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 Cryptococcus 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.

  • ✓Patients with symptoms suggestive of cryptococcal infection (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
  • ✓Individuals with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV/AIDS.
  • ✓Patients presenting with neurological symptoms.
  • ✓Patients with skin lesions potentially related to disseminated infection.
  • ✓Monitoring response to antifungal therapy.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose cryptococcal infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. It aids in monitoring treatment effectiveness and guiding patient care decisions.
The Cryptococcus Quantitative Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus in the body. This test is especially important for immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, who are at higher risk of developing cryptococcal infections. Early and accurate detection is crucial for effective treatment and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.

This test quantitatively measures the levels of Cryptococcus neoformans in various sample types, including fresh tissue biopsy specimens, skin biopsy specimens from patients with disseminated nodular skin lesions, tissue specimens from various body sites (brain, skin, soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, and bone marrow), peripheral blood specimens, 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 →
PreparationPatients need to sign a consent document and bring any relevant clinical history related to their health condition before the test.
SampleFresh tissue biopsy specimens, skin biopsy specimens, tissue specimens (brain, skin, soft tissue, eye, bone, lung, cardiac valve, bone marrow), peripheral blood specimens, 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 the presence and quantity of Cryptococcus neoformans but does not identify the specific strain or provide information on drug resistance. 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

Cryptococcus is a type of fungus that can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. Cryptococcus neoformans is the species most commonly associated with human disease.
Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with advanced HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or those on immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk.
Various samples can be used, including tissue biopsies, blood, respiratory secretions, and cerebrospinal fluid, depending on the suspected site of infection.
Results are typically available within 48 hours via email and 36 hours over the phone. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
A positive result indicates the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. The quantity measured can help assess the severity of the infection. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
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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