Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 16 Drugs Panel Test

This test identifies the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria to 16 different antitubercular drugs, guiding effective treatment for tuberculosis (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.
Results: Approximately 21 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required for this test. However, ensure the sample collection is done correctly as per laboratory guidelines.

Test priceKSh 50,000

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 16 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.

✓Suspected tuberculosis (TB) infection.
✓Symptoms suggestive of TB (e.g., persistent cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats).
✓Individuals with weakened immune systems.
✓Close contacts of confirmed TB patients.
✓Monitoring treatment response in TB patients.
✓Identifying drug-resistant TB strains.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps determine which antitubercular drugs will be effective against a specific strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, enabling personalized and effective treatment plans, especially for drug-resistant TB.

The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 16 Drugs Panel Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to identify the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to a range of antitubercular medications. This test is crucial in guiding effective treatment protocols for patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB), ensuring that the right medications are prescribed based on the specific resistance patterns of the bacteria. This test evaluates the sensitivity of the TB bacteria to 16 different drugs, including Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide, Clofazimine, Ethionamide, Capreomycin, Kanamycin, Amikacin, Ofloxacin, PAS, Cycloserine, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, and Linezolid. Results from the test will indicate which drugs the TB strain is sensitive or resistant to. A healthcare provider will help interpret the results and recommend the best course of action based on the findings.

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 specific patient preparation is required for this test. However, ensure the sample collection is done correctly as per laboratory guidelines.

SamplePure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile screw-capped container.

MethodologyCulture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) using established laboratory methods to determine bacterial sensitivity to 16 antitubercular drugs.

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

The test requires a cultured sample of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results are based on the sensitivity of the cultured bacteria to the tested drugs. 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

This test identifies which of 16 specific antitubercular drugs are effective against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria causing the infection.

It helps doctors choose the most effective treatment for tuberculosis, especially important for drug-resistant strains, leading to better recovery.

The sample required is a pure culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis grown in the laboratory. Your doctor will advise on the necessary steps for sample collection.

Results are typically available within approximately 21 days. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.

The results will show which drugs the bacteria are sensitive to (effective) and which they are resistant to (not effective). Your doctor will interpret these results with you.

Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for this specific 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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