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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 11 Drugs Panel Test

This test identifies drug-resistant strains of the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB) by testing sensitivity to 11 common antitubercular drugs. It helps guide 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
A pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container. The specimen should be shipped refrigerated or use growth obtained in the laboratory from previously submitted specimens. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special patient preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 31,000

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 11 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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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.

  • ✓Patients with symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
  • ✓Individuals with a history of tuberculosis.
  • ✓Patients who have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB.
  • ✓Individuals experiencing recurrence of TB symptoms after previous treatment.
  • ✓Patients with weakened immune systems.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment effectiveness in complex TB cases.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps healthcare providers determine the most effective treatment regimen for tuberculosis by identifying resistance to key antitubercular drugs. This is essential for managing drug-resistant TB and preventing the spread of resistant strains.
The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 11 Drugs Panel Test is an important diagnostic tool used to identify drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis (TB). This test is crucial for guiding effective treatment plans, especially in areas where TB is prevalent. It determines how sensitive the specific TB bacteria are to 11 different antitubercular drugs. Understanding drug resistance is vital for choosing the right medication and ensuring successful treatment.
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 special patient preparation is required for this test.
SampleA pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container. The specimen should be shipped refrigerated or use growth obtained in the laboratory from previously submitted specimens. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyThe test involves culturing the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria and then exposing it to 11 different antitubercular drugs to determine sensitivity or resistance.
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. It does not detect TB infection itself, only drug resistance in cultured bacteria. Results are dependent on the quality of the cultured sample. 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 identifies drug resistance in the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB). It checks how sensitive the bacteria are to 11 different TB medications.
This test is recommended for individuals suspected of having TB, those with a history of TB, or those who have been exposed to TB, especially if drug resistance is a concern.
The test requires a pure culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate sample collection method, often involving sputum or other relevant samples sent for culture first.
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Knowing if TB bacteria are drug-resistant is crucial for choosing the right treatment. Using ineffective drugs can worsen the illness and contribute to the spread of resistant TB.
No special preparation is required from the patient for this test itself, but a suitable sample must be provided.
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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