Medical Testing Procedures In Kabul, Afghanistan: Understanding The Timeline

The length of a medical test in Kabul, Afghanistan depends on the type of test being taken. For example, a tuberculosis (TB) test for a UK visa application involves a chest X-ray and can be expected a few days after requesting an appointment. Results from DNA tests for immigration purposes are typically available within 3-5 business days, but more complex cases can take up to 5-10 business days.

It is important to note that healthcare in Afghanistan is very limited, and there are areas without medical facilities, ICU beds, and ventilators. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul has also suspended operations and is unable to provide emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

The US Embassy in Kabul requires a medical exam before an interview for a US immigrant visa

Scheduling the Medical Exam

As soon as you receive your US immigrant visa interview date, you must schedule a medical exam in Afghanistan. You can find a list of designated doctors' offices in Afghanistan by clicking the "Medical Exam Instructions" button on the US Embassy Kabul website. It is imperative to complete this exam before your scheduled interview date to ensure a smooth continuation of your visa application process.

What to Bring to the Medical Exam

On the day of your medical exam, you should bring the following items:

• Your visa interview appointment letter (from the National Visa Center or the US Embassy)
• Four recently taken color photographs sized 3x4 cm
• A copy of your immunization records (vaccination booklet)
• DS-260 confirmation page
• Your passport or another form of photo identification

Medical Exam Fees

You must pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician. The current exam fee is USD $415 for applicants aged 15 years and older, and USD $338 for children 14 years of age and younger. The clinic only accepts US dollars, and applicants are responsible for the cost of any required follow-up tests or vaccinations.

During the Medical Exam

The medical examination will include a medical history review, physical examination, and chest x-ray and blood tests (for applicants 15 years of age or older). The United States also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for all applicants two years of age and older. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, medications you are taking, and current treatments you are undergoing.

After the Medical Exam

When your examination is completed, the doctor will send the report directly to the US Embassy. Any x-rays taken will be given to you, and you must carry them with you when you travel to the United States for the first time. The medical report must be less than six months old when you enter the United States as an immigrant.

Other Considerations

Please note that the US Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in Afghanistan on August 31, 2021, and is currently unable to provide emergency consular services to US citizens in Afghanistan. The US government advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and crime.

The cost of the exam is $415 for applicants 15 and older, and $338 for children 14 and younger

The cost of the medical exam is an important consideration for anyone seeking a visa to enter the United States. The exam is a mandatory step in the visa application process and must be completed after the visa interview. The cost of the exam is $415 for applicants aged 15 and older, while it is $338 for children aged 14 and younger. This fee covers the medical examination, as well as any necessary x-rays and blood tests. It is important to note that applicants are responsible for the cost of any follow-up tests or vaccinations that may be required. The clinic only accepts payment in US dollars.

The medical exam will include a review of the applicant's medical history, a physical examination, and chest x-rays and blood tests for those aged 15 and older. Tuberculosis (TB) testing is also required for all applicants aged 2 and older. During the exam, applicants should be prepared to discuss their medical history, medications, and current treatments.

It is important to note that the medical exam must be conducted by a physician accredited by the U.S. Embassy, and results from other physicians or clinics will not be accepted. Additionally, applicants should schedule their medical exam only after receiving instructions from the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section. Scheduling an exam prematurely may result in the need to repeat the examination.

The cost of the medical exam is a significant expense, especially for families with multiple applicants. It is important for applicants to be aware of this cost and to plan accordingly as they navigate the visa application process.

The exam includes a medical history review, physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests

The medical exam in Kabul, Afghanistan, includes a medical history review, physical examination, chest X-ray, and blood tests. Here's a detailed breakdown of each component:

Medical History Review

This part of the exam involves a healthcare provider asking questions about your medical history, including any symptoms, medications, allergies, supplements, recent lab tests, and medical or surgical history. It helps identify potential health issues and guides the rest of the examination.

Physical Examination

The physical examination assesses your overall health and typically includes checking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. The provider will also inspect your body for any unusual marks or growths and may listen to your heart and lungs using a stethoscope. They will also examine specific body systems, such as the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and may perform a breast or genital exam, depending on your age and anatomy.

Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray is a quick and non-invasive imaging test that uses a small dose of radiation to create images of your heart, lungs, bones, airways, blood vessels, and spine. It helps diagnose conditions like pneumonia, emphysema, or heart issues and can detect abnormalities like fluid buildup in the lungs, broken ribs, or tumours.

Blood Tests

Blood tests are common and can help diagnose a variety of conditions, including infections, anaemia, high cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, organ failure, and cancer. They can also monitor chronic conditions and assess organ function. Common blood tests include the complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic panel (BMP). The former evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin levels, while the latter checks blood glucose, calcium, kidney function, and electrolytes.

The US also requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for applicants 2 and older

The US requires tuberculosis (TB) testing for applicants 2 years of age and older. This is a mandatory part of the medical examination for immigrant visa applicants, which must be conducted by a physician accredited by the US Embassy. The examination will include a medical history review, a physical examination, and a chest X-ray. If the applicant is 15 years of age or older, blood tests will also be required.

Tuberculosis screening for applicants in countries with a World Health Organization (WHO)-estimated tuberculosis incidence rate of ≥20 cases per 100,000 population requires an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). IGRA testing is required for all applicants ≥2 years of age who are examined in countries with a WHO-estimated tuberculosis incidence rate of ≥20 cases per 100,000 population.

For applicants ≥15 years of age who are examined in countries with a lower incidence rate, a chest X-ray (posteroanterior view) is required. Those with signs or symptoms suggestive of infectious TB, chest X-ray findings suggestive of TB, or known HIV infection must provide three sputum specimens for smears and culture, as well as molecular testing of the first sample.

For applicants ≥2 years of age, the IGRA test will determine immune response to M. tuberculosis antigens. Applicants with a previous positive IGRA result must provide written documentation including the date of the test, type of IGRA performed, test results in standard units of measurement, the test interpretation, and the testing physician’s name, signature, and office information.

For applicants under 2 years of age, a tuberculin skin test (TST) may be used. A TST is considered positive if it results in an induration ≥10 mm (≥5 mm if the applicant is HIV-positive or a known recent contact of someone with TB).

The TB test is just one component of the medical examination for US immigrant visa applicants in Kabul, Afghanistan. The entire process can take several weeks or months, depending on various factors such as the availability of appointments, laboratory processing times, and the need for additional tests or vaccinations.

The UK requires TB testing for visa applicants, which must be from a Home Office-approved clinic

I was unable to find information on how long a medical test takes in Kabul, Afghanistan. However, here is some information on TB testing for UK visa applicants:

The UK requires visa applicants from countries where TB is common to undergo TB testing as part of their visa application process. This requirement applies to applicants who plan to stay in the UK for more than six months and have resided in any of the countries listed by the UK government. The test must be conducted at a clinic approved by the Home Office, and applicants must present a valid medical certificate confirming they are free from TB at the time of their visa application.

Who Needs to Have a TB Test for a UK Visa?

If you are applying for a UK visa and have been living in, or have recently visited, any of the following countries, you will need to undergo TB testing:

• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Mali
• Solomon Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Somalia
• Gabon
• Mauritania
• Micronesia
• South Sudan
• Benin
• Guinea
• Suriname
• Guinea Bissau
• Swaziland
• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Togo
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Tuvalu
• Chad
• Palau
• Kiribati
• Congo
• Kyrgyzstan
• Vanuatu
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Lesotho
• Djibouti
• Liberia
• Macau
• East Timor
• São Tomé and Príncipe

Who is Exempt from Needing a TB Test?

The following individuals are exempt from needing a TB test for their UK visa application:

• Applicants under the Ukraine visa scheme
• Diplomats accredited to the UK
• Returning UK residents who have been away for less than two years
• Individuals who have lived for at least six months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK and have been away from that country for no more than six months

When attending an approved clinic for TB testing, applicants must bring their passport and another form of identification, two passport photographs, and their medical records. The test typically involves a chest X-ray, and if the results are unclear, a sputum sample may be requested. Children and pregnant women have separate arrangements, and children under 11 typically do not require a chest X-ray.

Where Can I Get Tested for TB?

TB testing must be conducted at an approved clinic. A list of approved clinics can be found on the Gov.uk website. In some cases, applicants may need to travel to a neighbouring country for testing, as not all countries have approved testing centres.

Frequently asked questions