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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Culture ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Screening Test

Detects bacteria producing ESBL enzymes, which can make infections resistant to common antibiotics. Helps guide effective 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
Rectal swab, wound swab, or pure growth in Amies charcoal transport medium.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 1,965

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 ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Screening 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.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of a bacterial infection.
  • ✓Recurrent or persistent infections.
  • ✓Recent hospitalization.
  • ✓History of broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
  • ✓Infections unresponsive to standard antibiotic treatment.
  • ✓Patients with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Identifies bacteria producing ESBL enzymes, which confer resistance to many beta-lactam antibiotics. This information is critical for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy and infection control measures.
The Culture ESBL Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Screening Test identifies bacteria that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). These enzymes can make certain antibiotics less effective, complicating infection treatment. Knowing if ESBL-producing bacteria are present is crucial for choosing the right antibiotic therapy. This test uses chromogenic culture methods to detect these resistant bacteria. It focuses solely on identifying ESBL production, not antibiotic sensitivity. This test is recommended for individuals with symptoms of bacterial infections, especially those with recurrent infections or a history of antibiotic use. It can also be beneficial for those with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. Identifying ESBL-producing bacteria allows for targeted treatment, preventing treatment failures and improving patient outcomes. Results indicate the presence or absence of ESBL-producing bacteria in the sample. Discuss your results with your doctor to understand their implications and determine the appropriate next steps. We offer convenient testing options, including branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, as well as home sample collection services.
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 specific patient preparation is required. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleRectal swab, wound swab, or pure growth in Amies charcoal transport medium.
MethodologyChromogenic culture methods.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects the presence of ESBL-producing organisms but does not provide antibiotic susceptibility information. A negative result does not rule out other forms of antibiotic 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

ESBL stands for Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase. These are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that make them resistant to many common antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporins.
Identifying ESBL-producing bacteria is crucial because it helps doctors choose antibiotics that will be effective against the infection, preventing treatment failure.
The test requires a rectal swab, wound swab, or a sample of the bacteria grown in a specific transport medium (Amies charcoal).
Samples must be shipped refrigerated and should not be frozen.
A positive result indicates that ESBL-producing bacteria were found in the sample. A negative result means these specific bacteria were not detected. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
No, this test specifically detects the presence of ESBL-producing bacteria. It does not include antibiotic sensitivity testing. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
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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