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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Hepatitis A Virus HAV RNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects the presence of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) RNA in a sample to diagnose an active Hepatitis A infection. This qualitative test uses Real Time PCR for accurate results.

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
Blood sample (usually serum or plasma). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is typically required for this test. However, confirm with the laboratory or your doctor for any specific instructions.
Test priceKSh 12,000

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 Hepatitis A Virus HAV 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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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.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of acute hepatitis (e.g., jaundice, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain).
  • ✓Recent travel to areas where Hepatitis A is common.
  • ✓Close contact with a confirmed Hepatitis A case.
  • ✓Outbreak investigations.
  • ✓Individuals with risk factors for severe Hepatitis A (e.g., chronic liver disease).
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to confirm an active Hepatitis A infection by detecting the virus's genetic material (RNA). It is particularly useful in the early stages of infection or when symptoms are unclear.
Hepatitis A is a contagious virus causing liver inflammation. The Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a key diagnostic tool to identify the virus in your system. This test is important for individuals potentially exposed to HAV or showing symptoms. Early diagnosis helps manage the infection and prevent its spread. This qualitative test measures the presence of HAV RNA using the Real Time PCR method, capable of detecting even small amounts of the virus for accurate diagnosis.
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 preparation is typically required for this test. However, confirm with the laboratory or your doctor for any specific instructions.
SampleBlood sample (usually serum or plasma). Confirm specific 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 the presence of HAV RNA but does not differentiate between acute and chronic infection. A negative result does not rule out Hepatitis A if the test is performed too early or late in the infection course. Interpretation should be done in conjunction with clinical findings and other relevant tests.
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

A positive result indicates that Hepatitis A Virus RNA was detected in your sample, suggesting an active infection. Your doctor will interpret this result in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
A negative result means that HAV RNA was not detected in your sample. However, it might not rule out Hepatitis A if the test was done too early or late in the infection. Discuss the result with your doctor.
The test requires a blood sample, which involves a small needle prick. Most people find this minimally uncomfortable.
The Real Time PCR method used for this test is highly sensitive and specific for detecting HAV RNA, providing accurate results.
Fasting is generally not required for this test, but please confirm with the laboratory or your doctor.
Turnaround time varies. Please confirm the expected timeframe with the laboratory before booking.
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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