Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 10 Second Line Drugs Panel Test

This test determines if tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to ten specific second-line drugs, helping doctors choose the most effective treatment. It is recommended for individuals with suspected or confirmed TB, especially those with a history of treatment or exposure to drug-resistant strains.

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, placed in a sealed plastic bag. Samples should be shipped refrigerated. If a previous sample was sent for AFB culture or identification, the pure growth isolated in the lab can be used for this test.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is required for this test.

Test priceKSh 30,000

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 Rapid 10 Second Line Drugs Panel 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.

✓Individuals with symptoms suggestive of active tuberculosis.
✓Patients previously treated for tuberculosis.
✓Individuals suspected of having drug-resistant tuberculosis.
✓Patients with confirmed tuberculosis requiring second-line drug therapy.
✓Monitoring treatment response in complex TB cases.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps guide treatment decisions for tuberculosis, especially in cases of suspected or confirmed drug resistance. It identifies which second-line drugs are likely to be effective against a patient's specific TB strain, enabling personalized and more successful treatment regimens.

The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 10 Second Line Drugs Panel Test is a vital tool for managing tuberculosis (TB) in Kenya. It helps identify resistance to important second-line medications used to treat TB, particularly when first-line drugs are ineffective or cannot be used. This test is performed on a cultured sample of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It measures the bacteria's sensitivity to ten specific second-line antitubercular drugs: Amikacin, Kanamycin, Capreomycin, Clofazimine, Ethionamide, Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, PAS, and Cycloserine. Understanding this sensitivity is crucial for selecting the right combination of drugs to effectively treat the infection and prevent the development of further resistance.

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, placed in a sealed plastic bag. Samples should be shipped refrigerated. If a previous sample was sent for AFB culture or identification, the pure growth isolated in the lab can be used for this test.

MethodologyThe test involves culturing the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria and then exposing it to various concentrations of ten specific second-line antitubercular drugs to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or susceptibility.

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, which takes time to grow. Results are therefore not immediate. The test only assesses sensitivity to the specific ten drugs included in the panel. 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

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.

Drug susceptibility testing helps determine which antibiotics will be effective against the specific bacteria causing the infection. This is crucial for treating drug-resistant TB effectively.

Second-line drugs are medications used to treat TB when first-line drugs are ineffective due to resistance or cannot be used because of side effects.

Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

A pure culture of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria is required. This is typically obtained from a previous sputum or tissue sample sent for TB culture.

No special preparation 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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