Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Ebola Virus RNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects the presence of the Ebola virus RNA using Real Time PCR technology. This test is crucial for diagnosing active Ebola virus infection in symptomatic individuals or those at risk.

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: Whole Blood, Serum, Plasma, Cerebrospinal Fluid (C.S.F.), Nasal Swabs, Throat Swabs, Body Secretions, Organs or Other Bodily Fluids. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Results are typically available within 36-48 hours. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required for this test. However, inform the laboratory about any medications you are taking.

Test priceKSh 17,340

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 Ebola Virus RNA Detection Qualitative 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.

✓Individuals exhibiting symptoms suggestive of Ebola virus disease (fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained bleeding).
✓Individuals with known contact with confirmed Ebola cases.
✓Individuals residing in or travelling from areas with known Ebola outbreaks.
✓Public health surveillance during outbreaks.
✓Differential diagnosis in patients with febrile illness.

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to confirm or rule out an active Ebola virus infection in patients presenting with symptoms or potential exposure.

The Ebola Virus RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a vital diagnostic tool used to identify the presence of the Ebola virus in individuals suspected of infection. Early detection is critical due to the severity of Ebola virus disease, enabling prompt treatment and management. This test utilizes Real Time PCR technology for rapid and accurate results. It measures the RNA of the Ebola virus in various biological samples to confirm an active infection. Samples accepted for testing include whole blood, serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F.), nasal swabs, throat swabs, body secretions, and other bodily fluids or organs. This test is recommended for individuals showing symptoms consistent with Ebola, such as fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained bleeding. Individuals with known exposure to infected persons or those in areas with Ebola outbreaks should also consider testing. Early detection allows for timely medical intervention, reduces the spread of the virus, and provides peace of mind.

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, inform the laboratory about any medications you are taking.

SampleWhole Blood, Serum, Plasma, Cerebrospinal Fluid (C.S.F.), Nasal Swabs, Throat Swabs, Body Secretions, Organs or Other Bodily Fluids. 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 the presence of Ebola virus RNA, indicating an active infection. It cannot determine the stage of infection or predict the severity of the disease. False negatives may occur if the sample is collected too early or late in the infection, or if the sample quality is poor. 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 genetic material (RNA) of the Ebola virus, indicating an active infection.

Individuals with symptoms like fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained bleeding, especially if they have been exposed to someone with Ebola or travelled to an affected area, should consider this test.

The Real Time PCR method used is highly accurate for detecting the Ebola virus RNA when performed correctly on appropriate samples.

Results are typically provided via email and phone within the specified turnaround time.

A positive result indicates the presence of the Ebola virus. Immediate medical attention and isolation are necessary.

A negative result suggests the virus was not detected in the sample. However, if symptoms persist or exposure is suspected, further testing or consultation with a doctor may be needed.

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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