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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Culture Aerobic Endotracheal ET Secretions Test

Identifies bacteria in endotracheal tube secretions to diagnose respiratory infections in intubated patients and guide antibiotic treatment.

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
2 mL (1 mL minimum) of Endotracheal (ET) secretions collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
Results
Report typically available within 3 days of sample receipt. Sample collection daily by 3:30 PM.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 1,872

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 Culture Aerobic Endotracheal ET Secretions 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 on mechanical ventilation
  • ✓Suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
  • ✓Persistent respiratory symptoms in intubated patients
  • ✓Fever or changes in respiratory status
  • ✓Monitoring for infection in critically ill patients
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Identifies causative aerobic bacteria in endotracheal secretions, guides appropriate antibiotic therapy, and helps manage respiratory infections in intubated patients.
The Culture Aerobic Endotracheal ET Secretions Test is used to detect and analyze infections in the respiratory tract, particularly for patients with endotracheal tubes. This test helps identify specific bacteria causing the infection and determines which antibiotics will be most effective. It is a crucial tool for managing respiratory infections in hospital settings. This test measures the presence of aerobic bacteria in the endotracheal secretions. Antibiotic sensitivity testing may also be performed to guide treatment choices. This test is recommended for patients who are intubated or show signs of respiratory infection, such as persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath, or increased sputum. It is also beneficial for individuals with underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems. Accurate identification of bacteria allows for targeted antibiotic therapy, preventing complications and improving patient outcomes. Discuss your results with your doctor for proper interpretation and treatment planning.
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 special preparation is required for this test.
Sample2 mL (1 mL minimum) of Endotracheal (ET) secretions collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
MethodologyConventional culture, automated bacterial identification, and antibiotic sensitivity testing.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test only detects aerobic bacteria. It does not identify viruses, fungi, or anaerobic bacteria. Results depend on proper sample collection and handling. 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

Patients with endotracheal tubes are at higher risk for respiratory infections. This test helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection to guide treatment.
This part of the test determines which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria found in the sample, helping doctors choose the best medication.
A healthcare professional will collect a sample of secretions directly from the endotracheal tube using a sterile procedure.
The sample should be kept refrigerated and transported to the laboratory promptly. Do not freeze the sample.
A negative result means no aerobic bacteria were detected in the sample. Your doctor will interpret this in the context of your overall clinical picture.
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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