Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Legionella Antigen Urine Test

Detects Legionella bacteria in urine, the cause of Legionnaires' disease, a severe pneumonia. Essential for diagnosing respiratory infections.

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: Urine sample. A first-morning urine sample is preferred, but a random sample may be acceptable. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before collection.
Results: Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation: No special preparation is typically required for this test. Patients should inform the laboratory if they are taking any medications, especially antibiotics, as this might affect the results. Follow any specific instructions provided by the collecting physician or laboratory.

Test priceKSh 8,000

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 Legionella Antigen Urine 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.

✓Symptoms suggestive of pneumonia (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
✓Suspected exposure to Legionella bacteria (e.g., contaminated water sources)
✓Patients with severe respiratory illness
✓Individuals with risk factors for severe infection (e.g., weakened immune system)
✓Epidemiological investigation of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the rapid diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. Early detection allows for prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.

The Legionella Antigen Urine Test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify Legionella bacteria in a urine sample. This bacterium causes Legionnaires' disease, a serious type of pneumonia. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing complications. This test is recommended for individuals showing symptoms of pneumonia or those with potential exposure to environments where Legionella bacteria can grow.

This test specifically looks for Legionella pneumophila antigens in the urine. A positive result suggests an active infection.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain should consider this test. It is also recommended for those with known exposure risks (e.g., contaminated water systems) or weakened immune systems.

Benefits include rapid diagnosis, allowing for prompt treatment. The test uses a simple urine sample, making it a comfortable option. Results are typically available quickly, facilitating timely medical decisions. Our testing services are accessible across Kenya.

Results indicate the presence or absence of Legionella antigens. A positive result requires medical consultation for interpretation and treatment planning. A negative result does not rule out other causes of respiratory illness. Discuss your results with your doctor for a complete assessment.

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 special preparation is typically required for this test. Patients should inform the laboratory if they are taking any medications, especially antibiotics, as this might affect the results. Follow any specific instructions provided by the collecting physician or laboratory.

SampleUrine sample. A first-morning urine sample is preferred, but a random sample may be acceptable. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before collection.

MethodologyThe test typically uses an immunoassay method, such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or rapid immunochromatographic assay, to detect Legionella antigens in the urine sample.

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

This test primarily detects Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, the most common cause of Legionnaires' disease. It may not detect other serogroups or species of Legionella. False-negative results can occur, especially if the sample is collected late in the illness or if the patient has received prior antibiotic treatment. False-positive results are rare but possible. Clinical context is essential for interpreting results.

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

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It can cause serious lung infections and other complications.

Legionella bacteria are typically found in water sources like cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing systems. Infection usually occurs through inhaling contaminated water droplets or aerosols.

No, the test requires only a urine sample, which is a non-invasive and generally painless procedure.

The test is generally accurate for detecting Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. However, false negatives or positives can occur. Discuss your results with your doctor.

Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.

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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