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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Leishmania Kala Azar Antibody IgG Test

Detects antibodies to the Leishmania parasite, which causes visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar). This test aids in diagnosing this serious infection.

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 (serum).
Results
Results are typically available the next day. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 3,744

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 Leishmania Kala Azar Antibody IgG 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 of visceral leishmaniasis (e.g., prolonged fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen, anemia).
  • ✓Travel history to regions where visceral leishmaniasis is endemic.
  • ✓Exposure risk to sandflies, the vectors that transmit the parasite.
  • ✓Monitoring for infection in high-risk populations.
  • ✓Diagnosis in individuals with unexplained persistent fever.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify individuals who have been exposed to the Leishmania parasite causing visceral leishmaniasis. A positive result can indicate an active or past infection, prompting further medical evaluation and treatment.
The Leishmania Kala Azar Antibody IgG Test is used to help diagnose visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, a serious disease caused by Leishmania parasites. This test looks for specific IgG antibodies in your blood, which are produced by your body in response to the parasite. Early detection is important for effective treatment and management of this potentially life-threatening condition. This test is particularly relevant for individuals with symptoms suggestive of leishmaniasis or those who have been in areas where the disease is common.
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 required for this test.
SampleBlood sample (serum).
MethodologyImmunoassay technique to detect IgG antibodies against Leishmania.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
A positive result may indicate past exposure or infection, not necessarily active disease. Further testing may be needed for confirmation. Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional.
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

Visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, is a serious parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies. It affects internal organs like the spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
People living in or traveling to areas where the disease is common, especially those exposed to sandfly bites, are at risk. Certain populations, like those with weakened immune systems, may also be more vulnerable.
Symptoms often develop over weeks or months and can include prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anemia.
The blood draw for this test is a routine procedure and typically causes minimal discomfort.
A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies against the Leishmania parasite, suggesting exposure or infection. Your doctor will interpret this result based on your overall health and symptoms.
No special preparation, such as fasting, is required for this test.
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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