Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Linezolid Test

This test determines if the tuberculosis bacteria causing your infection is resistant to the antibiotic Linezolid, guiding effective treatment for drug-resistant TB.

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: Pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag. Refrigerated transport is required. If a specimen has already been submitted for AFB culture or Mycobacteria identification, the pure growth isolated in the lab will be used for this test.
Results: Results are typically available within approximately 21 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is required for this test.

Test priceKSh 9,000

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 Linezolid 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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+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.

✓Patients with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis.
✓Individuals who have not responded to standard TB treatment.
✓Patients with a history of exposure to drug-resistant TB.
✓Monitoring treatment effectiveness in complex TB cases.
✓Guiding selection of second-line TB drugs.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps determine the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Linezolid, an important antibiotic used in treating drug-resistant TB. It guides clinicians in selecting appropriate therapy for patients with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant TB, particularly those who have failed standard treatment regimens.

The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Linezolid Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB). It is particularly useful for patients whose TB has not responded to standard treatments. This test helps healthcare providers understand if the specific strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis causing the infection is sensitive or resistant to the antibiotic Linezolid. This information is crucial for selecting the most effective treatment plan and improving patient outcomes. The test measures the effectiveness of Linezolid against the bacteria. It is recommended for individuals with suspected or confirmed TB, especially those with a history of treatment failure or exposure to drug-resistant strains. Accurate identification of drug resistance allows for targeted therapy, reducing the risk of treatment failure and helping to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.

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 →

PreparationNo special preparation is required for this test.

SamplePure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag. Refrigerated transport is required. If a specimen has already been submitted for AFB culture or Mycobacteria identification, the pure growth isolated in the lab will be used for this test.

MethodologyCulture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) is performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Linezolid against the cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain.

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

This test requires a cultured sample of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results depend on the quality of the culture and the specific strain tested. 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

Drug-resistant TB is tuberculosis caused by bacteria that are resistant to one or more of the standard antibiotics used to treat the disease.

This test helps identify if the TB bacteria are resistant to Linezolid, a key drug for treating drug-resistant TB. This information is vital for choosing the right treatment.

A sample of the cultured Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria is required. This is usually obtained from a previous TB culture test.

Results typically take about 21 days, but this can vary. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

A positive result indicates that the TB bacteria are resistant to Linezolid, meaning this antibiotic may not be effective for treatment.

No special preparation, such as fasting, is required for this 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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