How Much Is Tuberculosis Test For UK Visa in Nigeria
Applying for a UK visa from Nigeria requires submitting a valid tuberculosis (TB) test as part of proving you meet the health requirements. But what is the exact price and process for getting an acceptable tuberculosis test in Nigeria? The UK government mandates TB testing for all Nigerian visa applicants to screen for infectious diseases before travel. Unfortunately, many applicants are caught off guard by theextra costs and steps for tuberculosis screening.
In this guide, we break down the full pricing, timeline, clinics, and details on getting a valid tuberculosis test for your UK visa application as a Nigerian resident. Whether you need a chest X-ray, sputum test, or basic medical exam, we cover NHS-approved options and real experiences from Lagos, Abuja, Ikeja and more. Understanding the requirements, costs and using the right tuberculosis testing facility can save you time and money as you apply for your visa. Let’s dive in!
Where to Get Acceptable TB Testing in Nigeria
When applying for a UK visa, the tuberculosis test must be from an approved medical facility recognized by the Nigerian government. Tests from random pharmacies or uncertified clinics are often rejected.
Below are top locations across Nigeria to get a valid TB test for your UK visa application:
Lagos
- Reddington Hospital, Victoria Island – TB skin/blood test: 18,000 Naira
- Eko Hospitals, Ikeja – Sputum culture test: 20,000 Naira
- General Hospital Lagos – Chest X-ray: 8,000 Naira
Abuja
- Asokoro District Hospital – X-ray: 10,000 Naira
- Primus Super Specialty Hospital – Sputum culture: 15,000 Naira
- DM Specialist Hospital – TB skin/blood exam: 16,500 Naira
Ikeja
- AirForce Medical Center – Chest X-ray: 11,500 Naira
- Central Hospital, GRA – TB skin/blood exam: 17,000 Naira
Enugu
- Niger Foundation Specialist Hospital – Sputum culture test: 18,500 Naira
- LifeCare Diagnostic Center – Chest X-ray: 9,800 Naira
Benin City
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital – TB skin/blood exam: 14,500 Naira
- Faith Mediplex Hospital – Chest X-ray: 10,200 Naira
Port Harcourt
- Orabank Medical Center – Sputum culture test: 22,000 Naira
- Pamela Dan Specialist Hospital: – Chest X-ray: 12,300 Naira
Prices can vary slightly by clinic, but expect costs to be within these ranges for an NHS-approved tuberculosis test acceptable for UK visas.
How Much Does the TB Test Cost at Each Facility?
Below we break down the exact price that approved UK visa testing centers in Nigeria charge for different tuberculosis screening:
Lagos
| Clinic | Test Type | Price |
| Reddington Hospital | TB Skin/Blood Exam | 18,000 Naira |
| Eko Hospitals | Sputum Culture | 20,000 Naira |
| General Hospital Lagos | Chest X-Ray | 8,000 Naira |
*Additional costs: Consultation fee (~3,000 Naira), same-day results fee (~2,000 Naira)
Abuja
| Clinic | Test Type | Price |
| Asokoro District Hospital | Chest X-Ray | 10,000 Naira |
| Primus Super Specialty Hospital | Sputum Culture | 15,000 Naira |
| DM Specialist Hospital | TB Skin/Blood Exam | 16,500 Naira |
*Additional costs: Registration fee (~500 Naira), appointment scheduling fee (~1,200 Naira)
Ikeja
| Clinic | Test Type | Price |
| AirForce Medical Center | Chest X-Ray | 11,500 Naira |
| Central Hospital, GRA | TB Skin/Blood Exam | 17,000 Naira |
As you can see, pricing is relatively consistent for the same test type at reputable clinics. Chest X-rays are the most affordable while sputum culture tests are usually the most expensive tuberculosis screening option.
NHS Approved TB Testing Options for Visa Application
The UK Visa office accepts tuberculosis testing completed at accredited medical labs and hospitals in Nigeria. But which test type should you get?
There are 3 main options approved for UK visa health screenings:
Chest X-Ray
- Looks for lung abnormalities indicating TB
- Results in 1-3 days typically
- Low cost (~8,000 – 12,000 Naira)
Sputum Culture
- Takes a sputum (mucus) sample to culture TB bacteria
- More definitive TB results
- 5-6 week wait for final results
- Moderate costs (~15,000 – 22,000 Naira)
TB Skin/Blood Test
- Injects PPD serum under skin & checks reaction
- Can diagnose latent or active TB
- Results in 2-3 days
- Higher costs (~14,500 – 18,000 Naira)
Chest x-rays are fastest and cheapest but may sometimes prompt additional sputum testing if anything abnormal is found.
Sputum cultures are 100% conclusive for verifying TB but have very slow result timeframes.
TB skin/blood exams cost more but provide reliable accuracy if properly administered.
When booking your test, check that the clinic can provide the proper documentation like certificates and downloadable PDF reports that the UK Visa office requires.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Valid TB Test
Follow this full walkthrough to complete an approved tuberculosis exam for your UK visa:
Step 1: Decide on best test type
Consider your price range, needed accuracy levels, and acceptable result timeframes between the main options:
- Chest X-ray
- Sputum culture
- TB skin/blood exam
Step 2: Schedule an appointment
Call or visit your chosen hospital/clinic to book your tuberculosis test. Most facilities require:
- Photo ID
- Passport
- Proof of UK visa application
- Small registration/scheduling fee
Step 3: Take the tuberculosis test
Arrive early to your appointment time with any required documents. The nurse will administer your chest x-ray, collect mucus samples, or conduct the PPD injection based on your test type.
Step 4: Get your results
Wait the allocated timeframe for your results whether 1-3 days for x-rays or up to 6 weeks for sputum cultures. Follow up with your clinic.
Step 5: Collect documentation
Obtain an official tuberculosis test report, certificate, download links that meets NHS standards for submission with your visa application.
Step 6: Submit with UK application
Upload and attach all documentation to your UK visa application portal as required by the British High Commission.
Conclusion
Meeting the UK visa tuberculosis testing requirement allows Nigerian applicants to prove they meet health standards for entry clearance. Work directly with your chosen healthcare facility to obtain properly formatted tuberculosis test results, reports, and certificates meeting official UK requirements.
We hope this guide gives you clarity on navigating the tuberculosis testing process with ease for your British visa application. Stay up to date on the latest UK immigration news and policies here in our blog or reach out if any questions arise!
FAQs
Q: Do I have to get an X-Ray for the tuberculosis test?
A: No, chest X-rays are common but sputum culture tests and TB skin exams are also accepted. Choose based on price, accuracy needs, and result time that works for your visa timeline.
Q: What if part of my tuberculosis test is positive?
A: If any part of your TB screening comes back positive, you must complete a full course of standard TB treatment. Provide those medical records with your application to prove you’ve addressed the health concern.
Q: Can I get same-day tuberculosis test results?
A: Some facilities offer expedited results within 24 hours for an extra fee. However, options like sputum cultures require 5-6 weeks of incubation to yield definitive TB results. Plan visa timelines accordingly.
Q: Do public or private hospitals offer cheaper TB tests?
A: On average public hospitals like government medical centers and general hospitals offer more affordable pricing between 8,000 to 15,000 Naira for tuberculosis tests.
Q: Which TB test results certificate do I need?
A: Your clinic should provide an official tuberculosis test report that includes your passport biodata page, DOB, testing date/location, type of test, and test outcome. This meets NHS certificate requirements.
Q: What if my TB screening expires before I apply?
A: Tuberculosis test results for UK visa applications usually remain valid for 6 months. If your test expires, you must redo it following the steps in this guide before submitting your application.