The Post-Travel Screen 2 Blood Test is typically a more comprehensive version of the post-travel screening panel that is conducted after travelling to regions with high risk of tropical or infectious diseases. It includes additional testing beyond the basic screening tests (like malaria or dengue) to capture a wider array of potential health issues caused by rare infections or parasites encountered in tropical or subtropical areas.

Components of Post-Travel Screen 2 Blood Test:

1. Haematology Profile

  • Full Blood Count
  • ESR

2. Biochemistry Profile

  • Urea and Electrolytes:
    • Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
  • Liver Function Tests:
    • Bilirubin, Alk Phosphate, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin
  • Cardiac/Muscle Enzymes:
    • LDH, CK
  • Bone Markers:
    • Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid
  • Glucose
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol
  • Iron (TIBC included)

3. Schistosome Abs

4. Malarial Abs

5. Hep A IgM Abs

6. Hep B sAg

7. Hep C Abs

8. HIV Duo

Additional Considerations:

  • Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Especially for those who have travelled to regions where TB is prevalent. This could include a Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA).
  • Yellow Fever Antibody Test: If there was potential exposure to yellow fever in endemic areas.
  • Leishmaniasis Screening: For individuals who travelled to areas where Leishmania parasites (transmitted by sandflies) are present.

Purpose of the Post-Travel Screen 2 Blood Test:

  1. Detecting Rare Tropical Infections: The test is designed to pick up on less common tropical diseases that may not be detected in a standard post-travel screen.
  2. Comprehensive Health Check: Ensures that infections or health complications caused by parasites, bacteria, or viruses are identified and treated early.
  3. Monitoring Organ Function: The extended liver and kidney function tests help monitor for any organ damage caused by infectious diseases contracted during travel.
  4. Targeted Diagnosis: Focuses on diagnosing diseases based on the traveller’s symptoms and the regions they visited.

When to Get the Test:

  • After Returning from High-Risk Areas: Especially after visiting regions with tropical diseases, poor sanitation, or high-risk environments.
  • If Symptoms Appear: Fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, rashes, joint pain, or unexplained health issues following travel are strong indicators for this test.
  • Routine Post-Travel Health Check: Even in the absence of symptoms, travellers to tropical or subtropical regions should consider screening to detect any asymptomatic infections.

Conclusion:

The Post-Travel Screen 2 Blood Test offers a more detailed assessment of potential health risks after returning from tropical or subtropical regions. It includes additional testing for rare parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections that may not show symptoms immediately but could cause serious health complications. This test is essential for individuals who have travelled to high-risk areas and are concerned about potential exposure to tropical diseases.

Results – 10 days from Laboratory receiving sample

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