Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Histoplasma RNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects the presence of RNA from the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus, which causes histoplasmosis. This qualitative test uses Real Time PCR for accurate identification.

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: Fresh tissue biopsy, peripheral blood (EDTA tube), respiratory secretions (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid). Confirm specific sample type requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results: Results are typically available within 36 hours via phone or 48 hours via email. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No specific patient preparation is required for this test. However, follow any instructions provided by your doctor regarding sample collection.

Test priceKSh 13,600

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 Histoplasma 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.

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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.

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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.

✓Symptoms suggestive of histoplasmosis (e.g., fever, cough, fatigue, chest pain)
✓Exposure to environments with bird or bat droppings
✓Compromised immune system
✓Chronic lung disease
✓Monitoring treatment response (in consultation with a physician)
✓Diagnosis in patients where other tests are inconclusive

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose active histoplasmosis by detecting the genetic material (RNA) of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. It is useful for confirming infection in symptomatic individuals or those with risk factors.

The Histoplasma RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify infections caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus can cause histoplasmosis, a potentially serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs. This test is particularly relevant for individuals with symptoms suggestive of histoplasmosis or those with risk factors like weakened immune systems or exposure to environments with bird or bat droppings.

This qualitative test specifically looks for RNA material from the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus in samples like tissue biopsies, blood, or respiratory secretions. It employs the Real Time PCR method, known for its high sensitivity and specificity in detecting pathogens.

Early detection of histoplasmosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications. This test provides a swift way to confirm or rule out an active infection, guiding appropriate medical management. Results are typically available within 36-48 hours.

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, follow any instructions provided by your doctor regarding sample collection.

SampleFresh tissue biopsy, peripheral blood (EDTA tube), respiratory secretions (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid). Confirm specific sample type requirements with the laboratory before booking.

MethodologyReal Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This method amplifies and detects specific RNA sequences from the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus.

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

This test detects the presence of fungal RNA, indicating an active infection. It does not differentiate between different species within the Histoplasma genus. False negatives may occur if the fungal load is very low or if the sample is improperly collected or stored. False positives are rare but possible due to contamination.

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

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.

People with weakened immune systems, those living in or traveling to areas where the fungus is common (like the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys in the US), and individuals exposed to large amounts of bird or bat droppings are at higher risk.

The test can be performed on various samples, including tissue biopsies, blood, sputum, or other respiratory secretions. Please consult your doctor or the laboratory for the appropriate sample.

The Real Time PCR method used is highly sensitive and specific for detecting Histoplasma RNA. However, like all tests, there is a small chance of false positive or false negative results.

Results are typically available within 36 hours via phone or 48 hours via email. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.

A positive result indicates that RNA from the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus was detected in the sample, suggesting an active infection. Your doctor will interpret this result in the context of your symptoms and medical history.

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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