COVID 19 real time RT-PCR (gold standard; molecular test; checks multiple targets within the genetic material of the virus; TAT 24-72 hours) as well as COVID-19 antigen (rapid test; tests for proteins produced by the virus; TAT <24hours) tests for both travelers & non-travelers. Antibody testing is not available and it is also not recommended for diagnosing current infection or for determining immunity from vaccination or previous infection. Additionally, a variety of other tests are available for monitoring infected patients. Specific test selection is guided by your doctor’s order. To avoid inconveniences while traveling, international travelers should:

• Confirm current testing requirements with airlines, transit and destination countries.
• Present themselves to the lab at least 48 hours prior to travel.
• Provide a valid email address

Yes. We are approved for PCR (molecular) and antigen (rapid) tests. Molecular tests are considered to be more accurate.

Walk-in clients can be attended to at our branch at the junction of West road/ Oginga Odinga Avenue i.e. D&D house, 5th floor, +254717535037, +254202500019. The following process can be expected:

Walk-in clients can be attended to at our branch at the junction of West road/ Oginga Odinga Avenue i.e. D&D house, 5^th floor, +254717535037. The following process can be expected:

No. Collection at your convenience (home, workplace, school etc.) is possible depending on your geographical location & number of people being tested. Please call us on +254717535037 or +254711443649.

Written doctor’s requisition or self-requisition for travelers. Additionally, a case investigation form will be provided to you which must be filled in full & legibly. Samples not accompanied by these will be put on hold and not processed.

For PCR results, 24-72 hours after receiving samples; for COVID antigen, same day or <24 hour results.

A negative result usually means that you do not currently have COVID-19. However, false negative results may arise e.g. if:

• You have been tested too early in the illness. A repeat test later may be positive.
• You have been tested too late in the illness (partial recovery phase)
• The sample collection was inadequate therefore there is an inadequate amount of testing material.

In the situations described, the sample may not have sufficient viral genetic material or viral protein (due to a low viral load) to generate a positive result. Additionally, false negative PCR results can arise due to mutations in the genes targeted during testing or if samples are not properly stored/ transported. False negative antigen results may also arise if manufacturer’s testing instructions are not adhered to.

Therefore results should always be interpreted in the context of your/ the patient’s clinical history, physical examination findings, exposures & disease prevalence. You should continue to take precautions to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19. Such measures include wearing masks, frequent hand hygiene (hand washing or use of sanitizer), maintaining social distance, being vaccinated if eligible.

A positive result usually means that you currently have COVID-19. You should take precautions to avoid spreading infection to others & reach out to your attending doctor. Some people with COVID-19 can have persistently positive PCR results after initial infection/ recovery. Occasionally, false positive results (detection of SARS-CoV-2 when one does not have COVID-19) may arise e.g. if:

• There is contamination during sample collection – swab touches a contaminated surface.
• There is contamination during analysis.

Scanlab minimizes the risk of this through meticulous sample collection, standardization of the analytical process including analyzing internal controls & participating in external quality assurance (EQA) schemes.

However, results should always be interpreted in the context of your/ the patient’s clinical history, physical examination findings, exposures & disease prevalence.

With a penchant for quality, Scanlab seeks to provide credible high caliber services at all times. However, this has led to unscrupulous individuals fabricating our test reports for personal gain. To confirm validity of your report/ facilitate investigations, please write to us using the “contact us” tab on this website.

Viruses change/ evolve via mutations in their genetic material. Variants include but are not limited to:

• Variant B.1.1.7 (UK Variant)
• Variant B.1.351 (South Africa Variant)
• Variant B.1.617.2 (Delta/ India Variant)

Confirming continued testing accuracy and vaccine efficacy against new variants/ strains is a situation that requires continuous monitoring/ research at national and international level.

Vaccination reduces the likelihood of severe disease but does not entirely eliminate the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 disease. If you meet the case definition for COVID-19, you should be tested. Please contact your attending doctor.

Useful links include but are not limited to the following:

• https://www.health.go.ke/
• https://kma.co.ke/resources/covid-19
• https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus-covid-19
• https://covid19.who.int/
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/
• https://labtestsonline.org/coronavirus-covid-19-resources
• https://infopages.traveldoc.aero/information/coronavirus