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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgM Serum Test

Detects antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common cause of respiratory illness. Helps diagnose acute infections and guide treatment.

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
2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum from 1 Serum Separator Tube (SST).
Results
Results are typically available the next day after sample submission (if sample received by 6 PM). Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 7,000

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 Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgM Serum 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
  • ✓Sore throat
  • ✓Fatigue
  • ✓Chest discomfort
  • ✓Suspected atypical pneumonia
  • ✓Epidemic investigation
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of acute Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection by detecting IgM antibodies, which are typically present early in the course of the illness. It helps differentiate Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection from other causes of respiratory illness and guides appropriate antibiotic therapy.
The Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgM Serum Test is used to help diagnose infections caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This bacterium is a frequent cause of respiratory illnesses, often referred to as 'walking pneumonia', especially in children and young adults. Early diagnosis is important for appropriate management and preventing complications.

This test measures the level of IgM antibodies in your blood serum. IgM antibodies are typically produced by your immune system early in an active infection. A positive result suggests a recent or current infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

If you are experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, or chest discomfort, this test may be recommended by your doctor. It is particularly useful for individuals with risk factors such as close contact with someone diagnosed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae or a history of respiratory problems.

Taking this test can provide an accurate diagnosis, help your doctor choose the right treatment, and monitor how well the treatment is working.

Results are typically available the day after the sample is received at the lab. It's important to discuss your results with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation and guidance.
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.
Sample2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum from 1 Serum Separator Tube (SST).
MethodologyImmunoassay (e.g., ELISA or rapid immunochromatographic assay) for the detection of IgM antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
IgM antibodies may persist for several weeks or months after infection. A positive result indicates recent or current infection but does not distinguish between primary infection and reinfection. False positives and false negatives can occur. 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, often called 'walking pneumonia'. It affects the lungs and airways.
The test detects IgM antibodies, which are produced by your immune system early during an active Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
A blood sample is required for this test. A healthcare professional will draw blood from your arm.
Results are usually available the day after the sample is received by the laboratory, provided it was submitted by 6 PM.
A positive result suggests a recent or current infection. You should discuss the results with your doctor for interpretation and appropriate management.
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.

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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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