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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Culture Aerobic Paired Blood PBS Rapid Test

Detects aerobic bacteria in the bloodstream using rapid culture methods. Helps identify pathogens causing infections and guides 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
Two sets of blood collected in special aerobic blood culture bottles (Plus Aerobic bottles). For children under 12 years, two sets of blood collected in Paeds Plus bottles.
Results
Interim reports available within 24 to 48 hours. Final results may take longer. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 3,276

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 Paired Blood PBS Rapid 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 bloodstream infection
  • ✓Fever of unknown origin
  • ✓Symptoms of sepsis
  • ✓Monitoring patients with central lines or catheters
  • ✓Patients with compromised immune systems
  • ✓Post-surgical infection surveillance
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to identify aerobic bacteria causing bloodstream infections (bacteremia or sepsis) and to determine antibiotic susceptibility, guiding appropriate treatment.
The Culture Aerobic Paired Blood PBS Rapid Test is a vital diagnostic procedure designed to detect the presence of pathogens, specifically aerobic bacteria, in the bloodstream. Bloodstream infections can be serious, and this test plays a crucial role in identifying the specific bacteria causing the infection. This allows healthcare providers to initiate appropriate antibiotic treatment promptly.

This test measures the presence of aerobic bacteria in the blood using advanced rapid culture techniques. If bacteria are detected, antibiotic sensitivity testing may be performed to determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific pathogen.

Individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of infection, such as fever, chills, fatigue, or unexplained illness, should consider this test. It is also recommended for individuals with risk factors like weakened immune systems, recent surgeries, or chronic illnesses, as early detection and management are crucial.

Benefits of this test include quick and accurate detection of bloodstream infections, guidance for effective antibiotic treatment through sensitivity results, and helping to prevent complications from untreated infections. Results are typically available relatively quickly, enabling timely medical intervention.

Results will indicate if any aerobic bacteria were detected in the blood and, if so, their sensitivity to various antibiotics. Discussing these results with your healthcare provider is essential to understand their implications for your treatment plan.
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.
SampleTwo sets of blood collected in special aerobic blood culture bottles (Plus Aerobic bottles). For children under 12 years, two sets of blood collected in Paeds Plus bottles.
MethodologyAutomated microbial detection system using rapid culture techniques. Antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) may be performed on positive cultures using standard methods.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test primarily detects aerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria or certain fastidious organisms may not be detected. The sensitivity can be affected by prior antibiotic use or improper collection technique. 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

This test detects the presence of aerobic bacteria in the bloodstream, which can cause infections like sepsis.
Collecting blood from two different sites increases the accuracy of detecting bacteria that may only be present intermittently in the bloodstream.
Interim results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours, allowing for prompt treatment decisions. Final results may take longer.
A positive result indicates a bloodstream infection. Your doctor will use the results, including antibiotic sensitivity information if available, to determine the best course of treatment.
No special preparation is required for this blood test.
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.

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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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