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Medical information Clinical review pending

Infection Testing

Staph Aureus RNA Detection Qualitative Test

Detects the presence of Staphylococcus aureus RNA using Real Time PCR technology. This test helps identify infections caused by this bacterium.

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
CSF, Whole blood, Milk, Throat swabs, Nasal swabs, Tissue biopsies. Confirm specific sample type needed with the laboratory before booking.
Results
Results are typically available within 24 hours via phone or 36 hours via email. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Please bring any relevant clinical history of the patient. Sign the consent document provided by the laboratory.
Test priceKSh 10,404

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 Staph Aureus RNA Detection Qualitative 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 Staphylococcus aureus infection
  • ✓Symptoms like fever, skin abscesses, or respiratory issues
  • ✓Monitoring patients with risk factors
  • ✓Diagnosis of bloodstream infections
  • ✓Identification of infection source
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify the presence of Staphylococcus aureus RNA, aiding in the diagnosis of infections caused by this bacterium. It utilizes Real Time PCR for rapid and accurate detection.
The Staph Aureus RNA Detection Qualitative Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium known to cause various infections like skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. This test uses Real Time PCR technology for rapid and accurate detection of the bacterium's RNA.

This test is designed to detect Staphylococcus aureus RNA in different sample types, including Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), whole blood, milk, throat swabs, nasal swabs, and tissue biopsies.

It is recommended for individuals showing signs of Staphylococcus aureus infections, such as fever, localized redness, swelling, pain, skin abscesses, or persistent respiratory symptoms. People with weakened immune systems or a history of these infections may also benefit from this test.

Benefits include rapid diagnosis, high accuracy, and the ability to start treatment promptly, potentially preventing complications. Results are typically available within 36 hours via email or 24 hours by phone. A positive result suggests an active infection requiring further medical assessment.

DNA Labs Kenya offers this test at various locations including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, with home sample collection available. Please bring relevant clinical history and sign the consent form before the test.
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 →
PreparationPlease bring any relevant clinical history of the patient. Sign the consent document provided by the laboratory.
SampleCSF, Whole blood, Milk, Throat swabs, Nasal swabs, Tissue biopsies. Confirm specific sample type needed 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 Staphylococcus aureus RNA but does not determine antibiotic resistance. A positive result indicates the presence of the bacterium, which requires clinical correlation.
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

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can cause a range of infections, from minor skin issues to serious conditions like pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
The test uses Real Time PCR technology, which is known for its high accuracy in detecting bacterial RNA.
Samples can include CSF, whole blood, milk, throat swabs, nasal swabs, and tissue biopsies. The specific sample required depends on the suspected site of infection.
Results are typically available within 24 hours via phone or 36 hours via email. Please confirm the current turnaround time with the laboratory.
A positive result indicates that Staphylococcus aureus RNA was detected in the sample, suggesting an active infection. Further clinical evaluation is necessary.
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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