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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Pyrazinamide Test

This test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and assesses its sensitivity to the antibiotic Pyrazinamide, 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
Pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag. Samples should be shipped refrigerated. If pure growth is not available, confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Approximately 21 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 10,400

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 Pyrazinamide 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.

  • ✓Suspected tuberculosis infection
  • ✓Symptoms of active TB (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss)
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response
  • ✓Evaluating drug resistance
  • ✓Patients with risk factors for TB
  • ✓Previous TB treatment failure
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis and determine its susceptibility to Pyrazinamide, enabling targeted and effective treatment for tuberculosis.
The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Pyrazinamide Test is a critical diagnostic tool used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis and evaluate its sensitivity to the antibiotic Pyrazinamide. This test plays a significant role in managing tuberculosis (TB) infections, particularly in patients who may be resistant to standard treatments.

This test specifically measures the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in culture and assesses the bacteria's susceptibility to Pyrazinamide. By identifying resistance, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.

Individuals exhibiting symptoms of tuberculosis, such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, should consider this test. Additionally, those with risk factors such as a weakened immune system, recent exposure to TB, or previous treatment failures should also seek testing.

Benefits of taking this test include accurate identification of TB and its resistance patterns, guidance for effective treatment options, timely intervention to prevent the spread of TB, and informed decisions regarding patient care.

Results from the Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Pyrazinamide Test typically take 21 days. A positive result indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while sensitivity results will inform whether Pyrazinamide is an effective treatment option for the patient. It is essential to discuss results with your healthcare provider for appropriate action.
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 for this test.
SamplePure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag. Samples should be shipped refrigerated. If pure growth is not available, confirm with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyMicrobiological culture and susceptibility testing.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test requires a culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results depend on the quality of the sample and the growth characteristics of the bacteria. 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 detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and checks if it is resistant to the antibiotic Pyrazinamide.
It helps doctors choose the right medication to treat tuberculosis effectively, especially if the bacteria might be resistant to standard drugs.
People with symptoms of TB (like a long cough, fever, weight loss) or those at high risk of TB should consider this test.
Results are typically available in about 21 days.
A sample containing pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is required. Please consult your doctor or the laboratory for collection details.
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.

Explore partnerships
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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