Available tests, sample type, turnaround time, price and booking options
Test name
Test role
Sample type
Turnaround
Price
Booking
Culture Aerobic Blood Rapid Test
First-line screen
Blood collected in a special Plus Aerobic bottle (8-10 mL for adults) or Special Paeds Plus bottle (2 mL for children under 12).
24–48 HoursInterim results typically available within 24-48 hours; final results within 6 days.
KSh 2,714
Culture Aerobic Body Fluids Rapid Test
First-line screen
8-10 mL of body fluid collected aseptically in a special Plus Aerobic bottle. For children under 12 years or low fluid volumes, a minimum of 3 mL in a Special Paeds Plus bottle is required.
24–48 HoursInterim reports typically available within 24-48 hours. Finalized results within 6 days.
KSh 2,714
Culture Aerobic CSF Test
First-line screen
2-5 mL (1 mL minimum) of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile, screw-capped container.
3 DaysResults are typically available within 3 days.
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Ear Test
First-line screen
Ear swab inoculated in a special aerobic transport medium. Specify left or right ear swab on the transport medium vial and test request form. Ship refrigerated.
3 DaysSample collected daily by 3:30 PM; report available in 3 days.
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Eye Test
First-line screen
Eye swab inoculated in Aerobic Transport Medium. Please specify left or right eye on the transport medium vial and test request form.
Timing on request
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Miscellaneous With Gram Stain Test
First-line screen
Body fluids, aspirates, swabs in aerobic transport medium. Specify collection site on container and request form.
Timing on request
KSh 2,223
Culture Aerobic Miscellaneous Test
First-line screen
Submit tissue in normal saline, catheter tip in sterile screw-capped container, or 5 mL (1 mL min.) body effusion, aspirates, etc., in sterile screw-capped container. Swab in Aerobic Transport medium. Specify collection site on container and test request form. Ship refrigerated.
3 DaysReport available in 3 days.
KSh 1,965
Culture Aerobic Nasal Test
First-line screen
Nasal swab collected in a special Aerobic Transport Medium.
Timing on request
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Pus Test
First-line screen
Pus sample collected in a sterile screw-capped container or pus swab inoculated in special Aerobic Transport Medium.
Timing on request
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Sputum Test
First-line screen
Sputum sample (deep cough sample).
Timing on request
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Vaginal Test
First-line screen
Vaginal swab inoculated in Amies charcoal transport medium. The transport medium is available from the laboratory.
3 DaysResults are typically available within 3 days after the sample is received by the laboratory. Sample collection deadlines apply.
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Throat Test
First-line screen
Throat swab.
Timing on request
KSh 1,872
Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid With PNB Test
First-line screen
Sample types include: Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F / Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL in a Red Top tube), Pus/Body fluids (sterile screw capped container), Sputum/Urine (2 Spot morning samples in sterile containers), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL in a sterile container).
14 DaysInterim results available in 14 days. Confirm final turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
KSh 3,931
Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid Test
First-line screen
Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F/Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL), Pus/Body Fluids (as much as possible), Swabs (in 1 mL sterile normal saline), Sputum/Urine (2 random morning samples), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
14 DaysInterim results available within 14 days. Final results available within 6 weeks. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
KSh 2,457
Culture Anaerobic Blood Rapid Test
First-line screen
8-10 mL of blood collected aseptically into a special Plus Anaerobic bottle (available from the laboratory).
6 DaysSample collected daily by 3:30 PM; report available in 6 days.
KSh 2,948
Culture Anaerobic Body Fluid Rapid Test
First-line screen
8-10 mL of body fluid collected aseptically in a special Plus Anaerobic bottle.
6 DaysResults are typically available within 6 days.
KSh 2,948
Culture Anaerobic Test
First-line screen
Body fluid sample (e.g., pus, cerebrospinal fluid, aspirates). Confirm specific sample type with the laboratory before booking.
8 DaysResults are typically available within 8 days. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
KSh 2,948
Culture Clostridium Difficile Test
First-line screen
5 g (1 g minimum) fresh stool sample collected in an anaerobic transport medium.
8 DaysSample daily by 3:30 PM; report available in 8 days.
KSh 2,948
Culture Diphtheria Test
First-line screen
Nasal or throat swab (mucus membrane of pharynx/tonsils) obtained by rubbing over affected/localized lesion, in Amies transport medium.
3 DaysReport available in 3 days. Sample must be received daily by 3:30 pm.
KSh 2,714
Culture Fungus Test
First-line screen
CSF, Bone Marrow, Pus/Body Fluids, Endometrial Curettings/Tissue, Swabs, Sputum/Urine, Skin Scrapings, Hair, Nail Clippings.
Timing on request
KSh 2,714
Culture Gonococcus Test
First-line screen
Sample type depends on the site of suspected infection. Common samples include urethral swab (males), endocervical swab (females), rectal swab, pharyngeal swab, or eye swab. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Timing on request
KSh 2,457
Culture Haemophilus Test
First-line screen
Throat, eye, or ear swab in Amies charcoal Transport Medium, Sputum in Amies charcoal Transport Medium, or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile screw-capped container.
3 DaysReport available in 3 days after sample receipt. Samples should be submitted daily by 3:30 pm.
KSh 2,457
Culture Nocardia Test
First-line screen
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Typically requires sputum, bronchial washings, tissue biopsy, or other relevant samples depending on the suspected site of infection.
1 WeekInterim results typically available within 1 week; final results within 3 weeks.
KSh 2,948
Culture Stool Test
First-line screen
Stool sample.
Timing on request
KSh 1,755
Culture Urine Test
First-line screen
First morning mid-stream urine sample.
Timing on request
KSh 1,755
Culture Aerobic Semen Test
First-line screen
Semen sample collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
See timing detailsTypically three days.
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Bronchoalveolar Lavage BAL Test
First-line screen
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid collected during a bronchoscopy procedure.
See timing detailsConfirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Endotracheal ET Secretions Test
First-line screen
2 mL (1 mL minimum) of Endotracheal (ET) secretions collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
3 DaysReport typically available within 3 days of sample receipt. Sample collection daily by 3:30 PM.
KSh 1,872
Culture Aerobic Paired Blood PBS Rapid Test
First-line screen
Two sets of blood collected in special aerobic blood culture bottles (Plus Aerobic bottles). For children under 12 years, two sets of blood collected in Paeds Plus bottles.
48 HoursInterim reports available within 24 to 48 hours. Final results may take longer.
KSh 3,276
Culture Blood Comprehensive Panel Test
First-line screen
Blood sample collected in blood culture bottles.
Timing on request
KSh 8,400
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Blood Rapid Test
Sample type
Blood collected in a special Plus Aerobic bottle (8-10 mL for adults) or Special Paeds Plus bottle (2 mL for children under 12).
Turnaround
24–48 HoursInterim results typically available within 24-48 hours; final results within 6 days.
Price
KSh 2,714
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Body Fluids Rapid Test
Sample type
8-10 mL of body fluid collected aseptically in a special Plus Aerobic bottle. For children under 12 years or low fluid volumes, a minimum of 3 mL in a Special Paeds Plus bottle is required.
Turnaround
24–48 HoursInterim reports typically available within 24-48 hours. Finalized results within 6 days.
Price
KSh 2,714
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic CSF Test
Sample type
2-5 mL (1 mL minimum) of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile, screw-capped container.
Turnaround
3 DaysResults are typically available within 3 days.
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Ear Test
Sample type
Ear swab inoculated in a special aerobic transport medium. Specify left or right ear swab on the transport medium vial and test request form. Ship refrigerated.
Turnaround
3 DaysSample collected daily by 3:30 PM; report available in 3 days.
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Eye Test
Sample type
Eye swab inoculated in Aerobic Transport Medium. Please specify left or right eye on the transport medium vial and test request form.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Miscellaneous With Gram Stain Test
Sample type
Body fluids, aspirates, swabs in aerobic transport medium. Specify collection site on container and request form.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 2,223
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Miscellaneous Test
Sample type
Submit tissue in normal saline, catheter tip in sterile screw-capped container, or 5 mL (1 mL min.) body effusion, aspirates, etc., in sterile screw-capped container. Swab in Aerobic Transport medium. Specify collection site on container and test request form. Ship refrigerated.
Turnaround
3 DaysReport available in 3 days.
Price
KSh 1,965
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Nasal Test
Sample type
Nasal swab collected in a special Aerobic Transport Medium.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Pus Test
Sample type
Pus sample collected in a sterile screw-capped container or pus swab inoculated in special Aerobic Transport Medium.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Sputum Test
Sample type
Sputum sample (deep cough sample).
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Vaginal Test
Sample type
Vaginal swab inoculated in Amies charcoal transport medium. The transport medium is available from the laboratory.
Turnaround
3 DaysResults are typically available within 3 days after the sample is received by the laboratory. Sample collection deadlines apply.
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Throat Test
Sample type
Throat swab.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid With PNB Test
Sample type
Sample types include: Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F / Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL in a Red Top tube), Pus/Body fluids (sterile screw capped container), Sputum/Urine (2 Spot morning samples in sterile containers), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL in a sterile container).
Turnaround
14 DaysInterim results available in 14 days. Confirm final turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Price
KSh 3,931
First-line screen
Culture AFB Mycobacterium Rapid Test
Sample type
Blood/Bone Marrow (8 mL in Myco F/Lytic bottle), CSF (2 mL), Pus/Body Fluids (as much as possible), Swabs (in 1 mL sterile normal saline), Sputum/Urine (2 random morning samples), Gastric Lavage (5-10 mL). Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Turnaround
14 DaysInterim results available within 14 days. Final results available within 6 weeks. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Price
KSh 2,457
First-line screen
Culture Anaerobic Blood Rapid Test
Sample type
8-10 mL of blood collected aseptically into a special Plus Anaerobic bottle (available from the laboratory).
Turnaround
6 DaysSample collected daily by 3:30 PM; report available in 6 days.
Price
KSh 2,948
First-line screen
Culture Anaerobic Body Fluid Rapid Test
Sample type
8-10 mL of body fluid collected aseptically in a special Plus Anaerobic bottle.
Turnaround
6 DaysResults are typically available within 6 days.
Price
KSh 2,948
First-line screen
Culture Anaerobic Test
Sample type
Body fluid sample (e.g., pus, cerebrospinal fluid, aspirates). Confirm specific sample type with the laboratory before booking.
Turnaround
8 DaysResults are typically available within 8 days. Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Price
KSh 2,948
First-line screen
Culture Clostridium Difficile Test
Sample type
5 g (1 g minimum) fresh stool sample collected in an anaerobic transport medium.
Turnaround
8 DaysSample daily by 3:30 PM; report available in 8 days.
Price
KSh 2,948
First-line screen
Culture Diphtheria Test
Sample type
Nasal or throat swab (mucus membrane of pharynx/tonsils) obtained by rubbing over affected/localized lesion, in Amies transport medium.
Turnaround
3 DaysReport available in 3 days. Sample must be received daily by 3:30 pm.
Price
KSh 2,714
First-line screen
Culture Fungus Test
Sample type
CSF, Bone Marrow, Pus/Body Fluids, Endometrial Curettings/Tissue, Swabs, Sputum/Urine, Skin Scrapings, Hair, Nail Clippings.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 2,714
First-line screen
Culture Gonococcus Test
Sample type
Sample type depends on the site of suspected infection. Common samples include urethral swab (males), endocervical swab (females), rectal swab, pharyngeal swab, or eye swab. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 2,457
First-line screen
Culture Haemophilus Test
Sample type
Throat, eye, or ear swab in Amies charcoal Transport Medium, Sputum in Amies charcoal Transport Medium, or Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile screw-capped container.
Turnaround
3 DaysReport available in 3 days after sample receipt. Samples should be submitted daily by 3:30 pm.
Price
KSh 2,457
First-line screen
Culture Nocardia Test
Sample type
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Typically requires sputum, bronchial washings, tissue biopsy, or other relevant samples depending on the suspected site of infection.
Turnaround
1 WeekInterim results typically available within 1 week; final results within 3 weeks.
Price
KSh 2,948
First-line screen
Culture Stool Test
Sample type
Stool sample.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,755
First-line screen
Culture Urine Test
Sample type
First morning mid-stream urine sample.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 1,755
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Semen Test
Sample type
Semen sample collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
Turnaround
See timing detailsTypically three days.
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Bronchoalveolar Lavage BAL Test
Sample type
Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid collected during a bronchoscopy procedure.
Turnaround
See timing detailsConfirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Endotracheal ET Secretions Test
Sample type
2 mL (1 mL minimum) of Endotracheal (ET) secretions collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
Turnaround
3 DaysReport typically available within 3 days of sample receipt. Sample collection daily by 3:30 PM.
Price
KSh 1,872
First-line screen
Culture Aerobic Paired Blood PBS Rapid Test
Sample type
Two sets of blood collected in special aerobic blood culture bottles (Plus Aerobic bottles). For children under 12 years, two sets of blood collected in Paeds Plus bottles.
Turnaround
48 HoursInterim reports available within 24 to 48 hours. Final results may take longer.
Price
KSh 3,276
First-line screen
Culture Blood Comprehensive Panel Test
Sample type
Blood sample collected in blood culture bottles.
Turnaround
Timing on request
Price
KSh 8,400
Clinical context
Clinical testing guide & how to choose
Tests in Bacterial Culture & Sensitivity Testing answer different clinical questions. This catalogue supports a conversation with your clinician or counselor; it does not establish a diagnosis or replace an individual assessment.
Choosing a test
A comprehensive panel measures several related markers, while a single-marker test addresses a more focused question. A larger panel is not automatically the right choice. Discuss your symptoms, previous results and referral with a qualified clinician before selecting tests. Results should not be interpreted in isolation.
Before sample collection
Confirm the required tube, sample volume, any fasting instructions and the collection deadline for your chosen test. Tell the collection team about medication and recent treatment. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your clinician advises it. Home collection depends on the sample’s handling and transport requirements.
Common questions
Questions before booking
Should I choose a panel or a single-marker test for Bacterial Culture & Sensitivity Testing?+
A comprehensive panel measures several related markers, while a single-marker test addresses a more focused question. A larger panel is not automatically the right choice. Discuss your symptoms, previous results and referral with a qualified clinician before selecting tests. Results should not be interpreted in isolation. Free pre-test counselor guidance is available to help you understand the booking options.
Can I use SHIF/SHA or private insurance for these tests?+
Coverage depends on your scheme, the specific test, referral and authorization requirements, and the provider arrangement. Before booking, ask the laboratory and your insurer to verify eligibility, any co-payment, and whether direct billing or reimbursement applies. Listing a test here does not guarantee insurance coverage.
When should I arrange sample collection?+
Check the sample and preparation notes for the specific test, then confirm the collection time and reporting deadline with the laboratory. Same-day reporting, where listed, may depend on a collection cutoff and working days. Nationwide and home sample collection are available subject to location, sample suitability and transport arrangements.
The Culture Water Presumptive Coliform Count Test checks drinking water for coliform bacteria, which can indicate contamination and potential health risks. This test helps assess water safety, particularly for private wells or where contamination is suspected.
