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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Isoniazid Test

This test identifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis and checks its sensitivity to the antibiotic Isoniazid, guiding effective tuberculosis 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
Sputum sample. Confirm specific collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Approximately 21 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Patients should follow instructions provided by their healthcare provider or the laboratory regarding sputum collection. Generally, deep cough sputum samples are preferred. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 8,000

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 Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Isoniazid 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 active tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
  • ✓Diagnosis confirmation after a positive screening test.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response.
  • ✓Individuals with close contact to known TB cases.
  • ✓Patients with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, diabetes).
  • ✓Suspected drug-resistant tuberculosis.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose tuberculosis and determine if the specific strain of bacteria causing the infection is sensitive or resistant to the drug Isoniazid. This information is vital for selecting the most effective treatment regimen and preventing the spread of drug-resistant TB.
The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Isoniazid Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used to identify the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and assess its sensitivity to the antibiotic Isoniazid. This test is crucial for guiding effective treatment plans for tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. Early detection and proper treatment are key to controlling the spread of TB.

This test measures the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in culture and determines its susceptibility to Isoniazid, one of the first-line medications used to treat TB. By identifying whether the bacteria are resistant to this drug, healthcare providers can tailor treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Individuals who exhibit symptoms of tuberculosis, such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, should consider this test. Additionally, those who have been in close contact with TB patients or have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes are also at higher risk and should undergo testing.
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 →
PreparationPatients should follow instructions provided by their healthcare provider or the laboratory regarding sputum collection. Generally, deep cough sputum samples are preferred. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleSputum sample. Confirm specific collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyMycobacterium tuberculosis culture followed by drug susceptibility testing (DST) for Isoniazid.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test specifically assesses sensitivity to Isoniazid. Other antibiotics may be needed for treatment. Results depend on the quality of the specimen collected. 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 helps diagnose tuberculosis (TB) and determines if the bacteria causing the infection are sensitive to the antibiotic Isoniazid.
Knowing if the TB bacteria are resistant to Isoniazid helps doctors choose the most effective treatment plan, improving patient outcomes and preventing drug resistance.
Individuals with symptoms of TB (like persistent cough, fever, weight loss), those exposed to TB, or those with weakened immune systems should consider this test.
The test requires a sputum sample. Your doctor or the laboratory will provide specific instructions on how to collect it.
Results are typically available within 21 days, but this can vary. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
We have branches in major cities across Kenya and offer home sample collection. Contact us to confirm availability in your location.
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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