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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Genexpert MTB ComboCom Test

The Genexpert MTB ComboCom Test is a rapid diagnostic tool using Real-Time PCR to detect Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria and resistance to the antibiotic Rifampicin. Essential for timely diagnosis and treatment initiation.

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 sample type and volume requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Preliminary results may be available within 1 day. Final results typically provided within 2-42 days. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No specific patient preparation is required for this test. Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory regarding sample collection.
Test priceKSh 9,000

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 Genexpert MTB ComboCom 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.

  • ✓Individuals exhibiting symptoms suggestive of Tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss).
  • ✓Individuals with a history of close contact with a person diagnosed with Tuberculosis.
  • ✓Individuals considered high-risk due to underlying health conditions or immunosuppression.
  • ✓Monitoring treatment response in Tuberculosis patients.
  • ✓Diagnosis in settings where rapid results are needed for public health management.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test provides rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and simultaneously identifies resistance to Rifampicin, guiding appropriate TB treatment decisions.
The Genexpert MTB ComboCom Test is a revolutionary diagnostic tool designed to detect Tuberculosis (TB) and assess resistance to Rifampicin, a critical antibiotic used in TB treatment. This test employs advanced Real-Time PCR technology, allowing for rapid and accurate identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in various sample types.

Timely diagnosis of TB is crucial for effective treatment and control of the disease. The Genexpert MTB ComboCom Test significantly reduces the time needed for diagnosis, allowing for quicker initiation of therapy. This is particularly vital in areas where TB is prevalent and can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

This test detects: - Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA - Rifampicin resistance

By identifying both the presence of TB and potential resistance to treatment, healthcare providers can tailor therapy to improve patient outcomes.
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 specific patient preparation is required for this test. Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory regarding sample collection.
SampleSputum sample. Confirm specific sample type and volume requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyReal-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and Rifampicin resistance. It may not detect all forms of drug resistance. False negative results can occur if the bacterial load is very low or if the sample is inadequate. 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

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which typically affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
Rifampicin is a key antibiotic used to treat TB. Resistance means the bacteria are not killed by this drug, making treatment more complex and potentially less effective.
The test typically requires a sputum sample. Your doctor or the laboratory can provide specific instructions on how to collect the sample.
Results are typically communicated telephonically. Positive results may be available sooner than final results. Discuss the reporting process with the laboratory.
The test is available in major cities across Kenya. Home sample collection services may also be offered. Contact the laboratory for details.
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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