What Does The Following TB Test Result Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 12 Oct 2016

Question: I underwent the TB test for UK Visa. Result came as Abnormal. They have approved it.

diaphragmatic hump noted single thin linear opecity in Rt lower zone. Fibratic band

What is that mean? Will the visa be rejected>

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Visa may be deferred

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for question.
What was the test done? Is it skin test or blood test?
The Chest Xray says a linear opactity which could be due to cold as well. Fibrotic bands is related so some healed lesions. We do not know whether it is from TB or other problems like Asthma.
I suggest you not to worry now. If such Chest Xrays are inconclusive the best thing is to get Sputum for Acid fast bacillli, where you will be asked to cough out and the sputum will be test for active TB bacteria. If they find live bacteria they will ask you to get treated from their designated centres. I guess they willl just defer your visa and would not reject it permanently.
Once the bacteria in the sputum is not found they will approve the visa again.

Hope this throws some light.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (17 minutes later)

Its an Xray test. They have not recommended for Sputum test.

Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stay calm

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Since fibrosis indicates healed lesions, you may not have active TB. I suggest you to remain calm. I hope you are visiting an approved medical facility by Embassy of UK. If the approved clinic for visas did not ask for sputum test you just go for the interview as scheduled.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar