Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

E Coli 0157 Bacterial Load Test

Detects and quantifies E. Coli O157 bacteria, a cause of severe gastrointestinal illness. This test helps identify potential foodborne illness outbreaks and guides 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.

Ask a question

Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample: Stool sample, water sample, milk sample, or food sample. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Results are typically available within 36 hours via phone call and 48 hours via email. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific preparation is required for a stool sample. For other sample types (water, milk, food), follow laboratory instructions for proper collection and handling. Please bring any relevant clinical history.

Test priceKSh 15,300

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 E Coli 0157 Bacterial Load 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.

✓Symptoms of severe gastrointestinal illness (e.g., bloody diarrhea, severe cramps).
✓Suspected food poisoning.
✓Exposure to potentially contaminated food or water.
✓Investigation of potential foodborne illness outbreaks.
✓Monitoring water or food safety.
✓Travel to areas with known E. Coli outbreaks.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose E. Coli O157 infections, assess the severity of the infection by measuring bacterial load, and identify potential sources of outbreaks in food or water supplies. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and helps prevent the spread of infection.

The E. Coli O157 Bacterial Load Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify the presence and amount of E. Coli O157 bacteria in samples like water, milk, food, or stool. This test is important for finding potential sources of foodborne illness and protecting public health. It uses Real Time PCR technology for accurate and timely results. This test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms like severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (possibly bloody), and vomiting, or those exposed to potentially contaminated sources.

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 →

PreparationNo specific preparation is required for a stool sample. For other sample types (water, milk, food), follow laboratory instructions for proper collection and handling. Please bring any relevant clinical history.

SampleStool sample, water sample, milk sample, or food sample. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyReal Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

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

This test detects E. Coli O157 specifically. It may not detect other types of E. Coli or other bacteria causing similar symptoms. Results must be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation and other laboratory findings. 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

Symptoms often include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), and vomiting. Fever is usually low or absent.

It is commonly spread through contaminated food (like undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk or juice, raw vegetables) or water, or through contact with infected animals or people.

Yes, E. Coli O157 can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Complications can include kidney failure.

Consult a healthcare provider immediately. They can assess your symptoms and determine if testing is necessary.

Practice good hygiene, cook meat thoroughly, wash fruits and vegetables, avoid unpasteurized dairy products, and ensure safe drinking water.

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