Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid With PNB Test

This test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB), using rapid culture and identification methods. Essential for diagnosing TB in individuals with symptoms or exposure risk.

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.

Ask a question

Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: Sample types include: Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F / Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL in a Red Top tube), Pus/Body fluids (sterile screw capped container), Sputum/Urine (2 Spot morning samples in sterile containers), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL in a sterile container).
Results: Interim results available in 14 days. Confirm final turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: For Gastric Lavage samples, overnight fasting is mandatory. Otherwise, no specific patient preparation is required. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.

Test priceKSh 3,931

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 With PNB 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.

Full name *

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.

WhatsApp the claims team Call us

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.

✓Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
✓Unexplained weight loss
✓Fever and night sweats
✓Fatigue or weakness
✓Exposure to someone with active TB
✓Symptoms suggestive of TB in individuals with compromised immune systems

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to confirm or rule out active tuberculosis (TB) infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression.

The Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid With PNB Test is a key diagnostic tool for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This test is particularly important for individuals showing symptoms suggestive of TB or those who may have been exposed. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating effective treatment and preventing the spread of the disease.

This test utilizes a rapid, automated fluorescent Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) culture technique. Following the culture, identification is performed using the PNB (Phenotypic Nucleic acid-based) test. This combination provides reliable results efficiently.

Individuals experiencing persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or fatigue should consider this test. People with weakened immune systems or known exposure to TB are also advised to consult their doctor about testing.

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 →

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 samples, overnight fasting is mandatory. Otherwise, no specific patient preparation is required. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.

SampleSample types include: Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F / Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL in a Red Top tube), Pus/Body fluids (sterile screw capped container), Sputum/Urine (2 Spot morning samples in sterile containers), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL in a sterile container).

MethodologyRapid automated fluorescent AFB culture followed by identification using the PNB test.

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

The test requires a suitable biological sample containing the bacteria. Results depend on the quality and quantity of the sample collected. A negative result does not completely rule out TB, especially in early stages or specific forms of the disease. 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.

Early detection allows for prompt treatment, which is crucial for recovery, preventing complications, and reducing the spread of the infection to others.

Various samples can be used, including sputum, urine, blood, bone marrow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pus, or gastric lavage fluid, depending on the suspected site of infection.

The Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid With PNB Test is a highly accurate method for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, accuracy can depend on the sample quality and the stage of the infection.

A positive result indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the sample, suggesting an active TB infection. Your doctor will discuss the implications and next steps.

This test is available at our laboratory branches across major cities in Kenya. We also offer home sample collection services for your convenience.

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

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.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →

Chat on WhatsApp