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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Cultured AFB Antitubercular DST Rapid 5 Second Line Drugs Panel Test

This test determines the susceptibility of tuberculosis bacteria to five key second-line drugs, guiding effective treatment for resistant TB cases.

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 sample of pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special patient preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 17,000

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 5 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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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.

  • ✓Suspected or confirmed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
  • ✓Tuberculosis treatment failure
  • ✓Monitoring response to second-line TB therapy
  • ✓Guiding selection of appropriate anti-TB drugs
  • ✓Patients with risk factors for drug-resistant TB
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test identifies resistance patterns to second-line anti-TB drugs, enabling clinicians to choose effective treatment regimens for patients with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant tuberculosis.
This test is a specialized diagnostic tool used to determine how sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are to second-line antitubercular drugs. It is particularly important for managing tuberculosis (TB) cases, especially when resistance to first-line medications is suspected or confirmed.

With the increasing challenge of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), accurate and timely testing is crucial. This test helps healthcare providers select the most effective treatment regimen based on the specific drug sensitivities of the bacteria causing the infection.

This test measures the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, PAS (Para-Aminosalicylic Acid), and Cycloserine.

This test is recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis and are experiencing treatment failure, have a history of multidrug-resistant TB, or show symptoms suggestive of TB, such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Taking this test helps guide the selection of the most effective treatment plan, monitor treatment efficacy, and provides timely information for better patient management.
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 sample of pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex on appropriate media in a sterile, screw-capped container, sealed in a plastic bag.
MethodologyCulture-based drug susceptibility testing (DST) is performed on isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test requires a pure culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results are specific to the drugs tested and may not predict resistance to other anti-TB medications. 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 detects the susceptibility or resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria to five specific second-line anti-TB drugs.
This test is typically recommended for patients with suspected or confirmed drug-resistant TB, those experiencing treatment failure, or those with a history of MDR-TB.
A sample of pure growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a previous culture is required. Your doctor will advise on the necessary culture.
The results will show which of the tested second-line drugs the TB bacteria are sensitive to and which ones they are resistant to, guiding treatment choices.
No special preparation is required from the patient for this test.
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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