Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid Test

A rapid test to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB), enabling timely diagnosis and 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: Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F/Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL), Pus/Body Fluids (as much as possible), Swabs (in 1 mL sterile normal saline), Sputum/Urine (2 random morning samples), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Interim results available within 14 days. Final results available within 6 weeks. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: For Gastric Lavage: Overnight fasting is mandatory. No special preparation is required for other sample types. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 2,457

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 AFB Mycobacterium 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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Mobile number *

+254

Insurer or scheme

Policy / member number (optional)

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.

✓Individuals exhibiting symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
✓Individuals with known exposure to tuberculosis.
✓Patients with weakened immune systems.
✓Individuals with a history of tuberculosis infection.
✓Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), allowing for prompt treatment initiation and helping to reduce the spread of the disease.

The Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid Test is a vital diagnostic tool used for the rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This test is particularly important in regions where TB is prevalent, allowing for timely diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. This test detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in various sample types including blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pus, and other body fluids. It employs advanced automated fluorescent methods, ICT, and MALDI-TOF technology to ensure accurate and rapid results. Taking the Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid Test offers numerous benefits, including rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis, allowing for prompt treatment initiation, and reduction in the spread of TB through early detection. Results from the Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid Test will indicate the presence or absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Positive results are typically communicated telephonically within 2 to 42 days, while negative results will follow the standard reporting timeline. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for interpretation and subsequent steps.

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 →

PreparationFor Gastric Lavage: Overnight fasting is mandatory. No special preparation is required for other sample types. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

SampleBlood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F/Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL), Pus/Body Fluids (as much as possible), Swabs (in 1 mL sterile normal saline), Sputum/Urine (2 random morning samples), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyAutomated fluorescent methods, ICT, and MALDI-TOF technology are used for rapid detection and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

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

The test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis but may not differentiate between active and latent infection. Results interpretation requires clinical correlation. 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

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

Rapid diagnosis allows for prompt initiation of treatment, which is crucial for patient recovery and preventing the spread of the infection to others.

Samples can include blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pus, body fluids, swabs, sputum, urine, or gastric lavage. The specific sample required depends on the suspected site of infection.

Positive results are typically communicated telephonically within 2 to 42 days. Negative results will follow the standard reporting timeline. Consult your doctor for interpretation.

Generally, no special preparation is needed, except for Gastric Lavage which requires overnight fasting. Always confirm preparation instructions with the laboratory.

We have branches across major cities in Kenya and offer home sample collection services. Contact us to book your 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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