Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST PAS Test

This test detects the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) and checks its sensitivity to anti-TB medications, guiding 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: Sputum sample. Confirm specific collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Approximately 21 days. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is typically required for this test. Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.

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 PAS 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.

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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.

✓Suspected tuberculosis infection based on symptoms.
✓Monitoring treatment response in known TB patients.
✓Investigating potential drug resistance.
✓Screening individuals with high risk of TB exposure.
✓Diagnosis in patients with atypical presentations of TB.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis and identifies drug resistance patterns, enabling healthcare providers to select the most effective treatment regimen for the patient.

The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST PAS Test is a laboratory procedure used to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This test is essential for confirming a TB diagnosis and determining which anti-TB drugs will be effective against the specific strain of bacteria infecting the patient. It involves growing the bacteria in a culture and then testing its response to various medications. This information helps doctors choose the most appropriate treatment plan, especially in cases where drug resistance is suspected. The test is crucial for managing TB effectively and preventing the spread of drug-resistant strains.

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 typically required for this test. Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the laboratory.

SampleSputum sample. Confirm specific collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyMicrobiological culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

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

This test requires a viable bacterial culture, which can take time. Results may be delayed if the sample is inadequate or if the bacteria are difficult to grow. The test identifies sensitivity to specific drugs tested; resistance to other drugs cannot be ruled out.

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

This test detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB), and checks how sensitive it is to certain anti-TB medications.

It helps confirm a TB diagnosis and determines which medications will be most effective, especially important for guiding treatment and managing drug resistance.

A sputum sample is typically required. Your doctor or the laboratory will provide specific instructions on how to collect the sample.

Results are typically available within approximately 21 days. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.

If the bacteria show resistance to certain drugs, your doctor will adjust your treatment plan accordingly to use effective medications.

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.

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