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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Human Immuno Virus 1 RNA Quantitative Real Time PCR With CD3 CD4 CD8 Immune Deficiency Panel 2 Markers Test

This test measures HIV viral load and key immune markers (CD3, CD4, CD8) to monitor HIV infection and guide treatment. Essential for managing HIV/AIDS.

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
PCR: 3 mL (2 mL min.) plasma from 2 Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. FLOW: 4 mL (3 mL min.) whole blood from 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube AND 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
12 hours fasting is recommended for the PCR component. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 16,380

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 Human Immuno Virus 1 RNA Quantitative Real Time PCR With CD3 CD4 CD8 Immune Deficiency Panel 2 Markers 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.

  • ✓Monitoring HIV treatment effectiveness
  • ✓Assessing immune system health in HIV-positive individuals
  • ✓Diagnosing HIV infection in specific circumstances
  • ✓Evaluating disease progression
  • ✓Guiding clinical management decisions
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to quantify HIV viral load, monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy, and assess immune system status (CD4, CD8, CD3 counts) in individuals with HIV infection.
This test provides crucial information for managing HIV infection and monitoring immune system health. It measures the amount of HIV RNA (viral load) in your blood, which helps assess how well your treatment is working. Additionally, it evaluates specific immune cells (CD3, CD4, and CD8) to understand your body's response to the virus. This comprehensive assessment is vital for tailoring effective treatment plans and improving health outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Regular monitoring with this test allows healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your care.
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 →
Preparation12 hours fasting is recommended for the PCR component. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SamplePCR: 3 mL (2 mL min.) plasma from 2 Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes. FLOW: 4 mL (3 mL min.) whole blood from 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube AND 1 Green Top (Sodium Heparin) tube.
MethodologyQuantitative Real-Time PCR for HIV RNA; Flow Cytometry for CD3, CD4, and CD8 markers.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests. The accuracy of the test depends on proper sample collection, handling, and transport. 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

This test measures the amount of HIV RNA (viral load) in your blood and assesses key immune cells (CD3, CD4, CD8) to monitor the infection and your immune system's health.
Individuals diagnosed with HIV undergoing treatment, those needing to monitor their immune system, or those with symptoms suggestive of HIV/AIDS should consider this test.
The test requires both blood and plasma samples collected in specific tubes (Lavender Top EDTA and Green Top Sodium Heparin). Please follow the preparation instructions provided.
Viral load indicates the amount of HIV in your blood, while CD4, CD8, and CD3 counts reflect your immune system's status. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health.
Yes, a 12-hour fast is recommended for the PCR portion of the test. Confirm 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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