Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 4 Drugs Panel Test

This test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and checks its sensitivity to four key anti-TB drugs (Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol) to 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: Sputum sample. Confirm specific collection requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Results are typically available within 21 days. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is required for this test.

Test priceKSh 13,000

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 4 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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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.

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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 infection
✓Symptoms like persistent cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats
✓Individuals with risk factors for TB (e.g., close contact, weakened immunity)
✓Monitoring treatment effectiveness
✓Identifying drug-resistant TB strains
✓Patients with previous TB treatment failure

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to confirm a diagnosis of tuberculosis and determine if the specific strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is resistant to Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, and Ethambutol. This information is critical for selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy and improving patient outcomes.

The Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 4 Drugs Panel Test is a crucial diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB). It identifies the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and assesses its susceptibility to four essential anti-TB medications: Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, and Ethambutol. This information is vital for selecting the most effective treatment plan, especially in cases of suspected drug resistance. The test involves culturing the bacteria from a patient sample and observing its growth in the presence of these drugs. This helps healthcare providers understand which medications will be effective against the specific TB strain causing the infection. This test is particularly important for managing TB effectively and preventing the spread of 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.

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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.

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

MethodologyThe test involves culturing the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from a patient sample and assessing its susceptibility to Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, and Ethambutol using automated fluorescent methods.

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

This test requires a viable bacterial culture, which may take time to grow. Results are specific to the four drugs tested. Other forms of drug resistance may exist. 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 detects the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and determines its sensitivity to four key anti-TB drugs: Streptomycin, Isoniazid, Rifampicin, and Ethambutol.

Knowing if the TB bacteria are resistant to certain drugs helps doctors choose the most effective treatment plan, improving the chances of recovery and preventing the spread of drug-resistant TB.

A sputum sample is typically required for this test. Please consult your doctor or the laboratory for specific collection instructions.

Results are generally available within 21 days, but this can vary. Confirm the expected turnaround time with the laboratory.

No special preparation, such as fasting, is required for this test.

Your doctor will interpret the results. A positive result indicates TB, and the sensitivity results show which drugs are effective against the specific bacteria. Discuss the results and treatment plan with your healthcare provider.

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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