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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Mycoplasma Pneumonia Bacterial Load Test

This test detects the bacterial load of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia, using Real Time PCR technology. It helps diagnose 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
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, throat swab, blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, or plasma. Confirm specific sample type required with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Results typically available within 24-36 hours. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 16,320

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 Mycoplasma Pneumonia Bacterial Load 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.

  • ✓Persistent cough
  • ✓Fever
  • ✓Chest pain
  • ✓Difficulty breathing
  • ✓Suspected atypical pneumonia
  • ✓History of respiratory infections
  • ✓Compromised immune system
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps diagnose Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, a common cause of atypical pneumonia. It can aid in differentiating bacterial from viral respiratory infections and guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.
The Mycoplasma Pneumonia Bacterial Load Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify the presence and quantity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. This bacterium is a frequent cause of pneumonia, particularly in community-acquired cases. The test is valuable for patients presenting with respiratory symptoms.

This test measures the amount of Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria in samples such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, throat swabs, blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, or plasma. It utilizes Real Time PCR technology, known for its sensitivity and specificity in detecting bacterial DNA.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like persistent cough, fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing may benefit from this test. It is also recommended for those with a history of respiratory infections or compromised immune systems.

Early detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae allows for appropriate treatment, potentially preventing complications. The test can help distinguish between bacterial and viral causes of pneumonia, guiding effective management.

Results are typically available within 36 hours via email and 24 hours by phone. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and discuss the implications and next steps.
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. Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the laboratory.
SampleBronchoalveolar lavage fluid, throat swab, blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, or plasma. Confirm specific sample type required with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyReal Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae DNA. It does not differentiate between live and dead bacteria. Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation and other diagnostic findings. 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

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that commonly causes respiratory infections, including pneumonia, often referred to as 'walking pneumonia'.
This test helps identify if Mycoplasma pneumoniae is causing your respiratory symptoms, allowing for targeted treatment and potentially preventing complications.
Samples can include throat swabs, blood, urine, sputum, or other fluids as determined by your doctor. Please confirm the required sample with the laboratory.
Results are typically provided via email within 36 hours and can also be accessed by phone within 24 hours. Your doctor will interpret the results with you.
Generally, no special preparation is needed. However, follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider or the laboratory.
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.

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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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