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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Procalcitonin Test

The Procalcitonin Test measures levels of procalcitonin in the blood to help identify bacterial infections and guide antibiotic treatment decisions.

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 or plasma). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 9,000

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 Procalcitonin 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.

  • ✓Suspected severe bacterial infection
  • ✓Symptoms like fever, chills, rapid heart rate
  • ✓Assessment for sepsis
  • ✓Diagnosis of pneumonia
  • ✓Monitoring response to antibiotic therapy
  • ✓Patients with conditions increasing infection risk
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of bacterial infections, helps differentiate bacterial from viral infections, guides antibiotic therapy decisions, and monitors the response to treatment.
The Procalcitonin Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the level of procalcitonin in the blood. Procalcitonin is a substance produced by the body, primarily in response to bacterial infections. This test is valuable in diagnosing infections, especially when determining the severity and guiding appropriate treatment, such as antibiotic therapy. It can help distinguish between bacterial and viral infections. Understanding procalcitonin levels assists healthcare providers in making informed decisions about patient care. This test is particularly useful in situations where early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing severe infections like sepsis or pneumonia.
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. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
SampleBlood sample (serum or plasma). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
MethodologyImmunoassay method used to measure procalcitonin levels in the blood. Confirm specific methodology with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Procalcitonin levels can be influenced by other conditions and factors. Results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional alongside clinical findings. This test may not be suitable for all types of infections or patient populations. Confirm suitability 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

Procalcitonin is a substance produced by the body, primarily in response to bacterial infections. Its levels in the blood can indicate the presence and severity of such infections.
This test helps doctors identify bacterial infections, distinguish them from viral infections, and decide if antibiotics are needed, guiding appropriate treatment.
No special preparation, such as fasting, is typically required for the Procalcitonin Test. However, please confirm with the laboratory before your appointment.
Low procalcitonin levels generally suggest a lower likelihood of bacterial infection, while high levels often indicate a significant bacterial infection. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your specific situation.
We have branches in major cities across Kenya and offer home sample collection services for added convenience. Please contact us for details.
The current price for the Procalcitonin Test is 9,000 KSh. Please confirm pricing details when 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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