Tuberculosis (TB) certificate

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a kind of disease that is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The germ spreads from person to person through the air. TB affects the lungs, the brain, the kidney, or the spine of a person. TB disease is spread when a person with an infected throat or lungs coughs, speaks, or sneezes. A person can get infected by TB if they breathe the air infected by the TB person.

What is a TB Test?

A TB test determines whether an individual has been infected with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Test commonly use methods like the TB skin test (TST) and TB blood test (interferon-gamma release assays, or IGRA).

Types of Tuberculosis (TB) Tests

1. TB Skin Test (TST)

• How It Works: A small amount of tuberculin solution is injected under the forearm skin.
• Process: The injection site is checked after 48–72 hours for swelling or redness. The size of the reaction in the skin determines if the test is positive or negative.
• Suitability: Often used in areas where TB is less common.

2. TB Blood Test (IGRA)

• How It Works: A blood sample is taken and analyzed for immune response to TB bacteria.
• Result: These results are generally available within a few days.
• Suitability: Preferred for individuals who have received the BCG vaccine, as it eliminates the risk of false positives.

Causes of Higher Risk for TB

Certain factors increase susceptibility to TB, including:

• Close contact with someone with active TB.
• Compromised immune systems (e.g., HIV, diabetes).
• Living or traveling to high TB prevalence areas.
• Smoking or substance abuse.

How Often Is a TB Test Needed?

For individuals studying abroad, TB testing may be required once before visa approval. However, those at higher risk might need periodic testing based on medical advice.

Does a TB Test Hurt?

A TB test involves minimal discomfort, such as a small prick during a blood draw or tuberculin injection. Most individuals find the procedure manageable.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Side effects are rare but may include minor redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site for the skin test. For the blood test, slight bruising at the puncture site may occur.

Interpreting TB Test Results

• Positive Result: Indicates TB bacteria exposure. Meaning the person might have the possibility of getting TB disease if there is any sign of active TB germ, but this test does not really tell if a person has TB infection or TB disease. So, further tests, like chest X-rays or sputum analysis, are necessary to confirm active or latent TB.
• Negative Result: No TB infection. It is important to consult healthcare professionals for accurate interpretation and next steps. Showing no sign of TB means you can carry over the further application process.

Is a TB test needed for a Visa Application for the UK?

A tuberculosis (TB) test is a compulsory step for individuals planning to study or travel abroad. Particularly for countries like the UK that require proof of a TB-free status as part of the visa application process. This test helps ensure public health safety by preventing the spread of TB among international communities.

TB Test for UK Visa

For students applying for a UK visa, a TB test is mandatory if coming from countries with a high TB risk. Accredited clinics and hospitals in Kathmandu, like the Migration Health Assessment Center and Norvic International Hospital, as well as the IOM Resettlement Health Assessment Centre of Jhapa, perform the test. For applicants in Nepal, clinics in Kathmandu are designated for this purpose. Ensure you book an appointment early to meet your visa timeline. The applicants must present a certificate proving their TB-free status during the visa process. If the visa applicant is not able to provide a TB certificate with an application, it may lead to visa refusal.

Conclusion

A TB test is a simple yet critical requirement for international studies, safeguarding the personal and public health of the country that they are planning on visiting. Ensure you follow the guidelines of your destination country, consult a certified clinic, and keep your test results handy for visa processing. The TB certificate must accurately contain all of the student's information and not have expired at the time the visa application was submitted. The visa application may be delayed or denied if there are any errors or inconsistencies in the information submitted, or if the certificate is out of date.