Those who are living in different countries of the world and planning to enter the UK need to have a valid negative Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate. TB kills millions of people every year across the globe, and no country would like the people suffering from TB to enter its territory. This blog sheds light on some of the most essential aspects associated with a medical test for visa, particularly when you are going to apply for a UK visa.
Before we dig deeper into the topic, let’s take a concise look at what TB really is and how it affects people living anywhere across the world.
Tuberculosis (TB): A Concise Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most serious life-threatening diseases even today, and it mainly attacks the lungs of human beings. The germs responsible for causing and even spreading TB from one person to another are a type of bacteria. This disease spreads when any affected individual coughs, sneezes or even sings. Out of these activities, very tiny droplets come into the air, and when any person takes a breath in those droplets, gets affected because the germs enter his or her lungs.
Tuberculosis spreads very rapidly and easily particularly where so many people gather in crowds. People who are suffering from any chronic disease such as diabetes, and those with HIV/AIDS or those who have a weak immunity might fall prey to Tuberculosis (TB) fast. There are certain drugs called antibiotics administered to the affected people for treating tuberculosis. But, over the years, some forms of the bacteria have developed resistance to the standard drugs, and as a result, are not responding well to the drugs when administered.
Why do you need to be screened for TB, particularly during a UK visa medical test?
• The first and foremost purpose of TB screening among those applying for a UK visa is to detect the presence of Lung Tuberculosis and prevent the concerned people getting worse and spreading the infection to others.
• Individuals who wish to stay in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months need to undergo a pre-screening compulsorily. It applies very strictly to those traveling from a country where TB is quite common.
• Those who wish to enter the UK as a tourist don’t have to go for any screening.
All individuals after the screening would be issued a TB clearance test in case no TB is found in them. This UK TB test in India clarifies that you are not having TB in your lungs.
The benefits of being screened for TB before you arrive in the UK
With rapid advancement in medical science, TB is 100% curable. The earlier you are detected, the better improvement you will show in the direction of treatment. If you go for a test in your own country at your convenience, there will be no need for screening on arrival. This will not only help you save valuable time at the UK borders but also clarify that you are a responsible individual.
Where will the screening take place?
On behalf of UK immigration authorities, the process of screening or UK visa medical test will take place in your own country at any of the designated clinics or medical establishments approved by the UK’s Home Office. You can access the list of approved medical establishments from the official UK’s Home Office website.
What is the appointment procedure for TB screening?
Taking an appointment for TB screening is not a very complicated process. Once you get the list of the approved medical establishments, you can choose the one as per your convenience and preference. Don’t forget to carry two official documents that prove your identity, and of course, one of them would be your passport. Apart from it, you will need to carry two passport-size photographs, the predefined fee for your TB screening test, and all your medical records if you have any. In case you have been affected by TB in the recent past, then you will have to provide the concerned medical authority with all your previous records or details concerning the diagnosis and treatment for the same.
How much will you be paying for the TB screening?
Obviously, you will be paying a fee for the TB screening. The payable fee includes the consultation, X-ray cost, and the certificate itself. In some cases, additional costs also might occur in need of some further tests such as sputum test. Remember that the fee to be paid to the concerned medical establishment has nothing to do with your visa application. That fee will be quite separate.
How long is it valid once you obtain a TB screening certificate?
A TB screening certificate has a validity of 6 months from the date it is issued to the concerned person. After you take entry into the UK, the concerned health officials might approach you to offer you a screening test to see through the status of latent (inactive) TB. This is apart from the pre-screening to have a check upon reactivation of the TB of this kind.
What will happen if you are tested positive during your TB Screening Test?
Definitely, getting tested positive will have an impact on your visa application. Under such a scenario, the concerned doctor will be referring you for immediate treatment which is as of now based on antibiotics. You will not be provided any TB clearance certificate right away, and once the treatment is over, you will be reapplying for the visa application.
Concluding Remarks
Immigration medicals play a crucial role in the process of immigration to any country. These tests and screening procedures ensure the health and safety of both not only the immigrants but also the population of the country they are moving to. The UK medical tests are designed to identify any health conditions or diseases that might prove to be a threat to British Nationals. The Sadhu Vaswani Medical Centre, established with the sole purpose of serving the entire community, irrespective of caste and creed, is an ideal center to approach for immigration medicals. For more details, you can get in touch with the center right away through any of the communication channels provided on the website.