Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 19 Drugs Panel Test

This test identifies drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis (TB) by checking sensitivity to 19 different antitubercular drugs. It helps guide effective treatment for 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.

Ask a question

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: Patients should follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider for collecting the sputum sample. Generally, deep cough sputum samples are preferred. Avoid eating or drinking immediately before sample collection if specified by the lab.

Test priceKSh 60,000

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 19 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.

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.

WhatsApp the claims team Call us

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 tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
✓Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tuberculosis.
✓Individuals with a history of previous tuberculosis treatment.
✓Patients suspected of having drug-resistant tuberculosis.
✓Individuals who have been exposed to known drug-resistant TB cases.
✓Patients living in or traveling to areas with high rates of drug-resistant TB.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to determine the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to 19 different antitubercular drugs. It helps clinicians select the most effective treatment regimen for patients with suspected or confirmed tuberculosis, especially when drug resistance is a concern. The results guide personalized therapy, improve treatment outcomes, and help control the spread of drug-resistant TB.

The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 19 Drugs Panel Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to identify strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that are resistant to common medications. This test is particularly important for patients suspected of having drug-resistant TB, as it helps healthcare providers select the most effective treatment regimen. Understanding drug susceptibility is crucial for successful TB treatment and preventing the spread of resistant strains. This test analyzes the bacteria cultured from a patient's sample against a panel of 19 antitubercular drugs. The results guide clinicians in choosing the right combination of medications to effectively treat the infection. This test is recommended for individuals with symptoms suggestive of TB or those with a history of TB or exposure to 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.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →

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 →

PreparationPatients should follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider for collecting the sputum sample. Generally, deep cough sputum samples are preferred. Avoid eating or drinking immediately before sample collection if specified by the lab.

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

MethodologyCulture and susceptibility testing. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is cultured from the patient's sample and then tested against a panel of 19 antitubercular drugs to determine sensitivity or resistance.

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

The test requires a viable culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results are dependent on the quality of the sample and the growth of the bacteria. The test identifies resistance to the specific drugs tested; resistance to other drugs not included in the panel cannot be ruled out. 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 Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, typically affecting the lungs but can affect other parts of the body.

Some TB bacteria become resistant to the drugs used to treat TB. Testing helps identify these resistant strains so doctors can choose effective medications.

This test involves culturing bacteria from a sputum sample and testing its sensitivity to 19 different anti-TB drugs.

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

The results typically take around 21 days, but this can vary. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.

Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss the appropriate treatment plan with you based on the drug susceptibility profile.

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.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →

Chat on WhatsApp