Complete List of Required Blood Tests

The standard blood tests required for the USCIS immigration medical examination include the following:

• RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) — syphilis screening test, required for applicants 15 and older
• Gonorrhea NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) — may be collected via blood, urine, or swab depending on the testing method used
• IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) — tuberculosis blood test, preferred over the tuberculin skin test in most cases
• Titer tests — ordered when immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases needs to be verified (e.g., MMR, varicella, hepatitis B)

How the Blood Draw Is Performed

Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm using a standard venipuncture technique. Our trained clinical staff will clean the site with an antiseptic, apply a tourniquet briefly to make the vein more visible, and insert a small needle to collect the required blood samples. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes.

We use single-use, sterile needles and collection tubes for every patient. All equipment is disposed of safely after use. If you have a preference for which arm is used, or if you have a history of difficult blood draws, please let our staff know before the procedure begins.

How Many Vials of Blood Are Taken

The number of vials collected depends on which tests are required for your specific examination. For the standard immigration panel, most applicants have two to four vials of blood drawn. Each vial is approximately 5 to 10 milliliters — a small amount that is well within the safe range for routine blood collection.

If titer tests are ordered in addition to the standard panel, one or two additional vials may be needed. Our staff will explain exactly which tests are being collected before the blood draw begins. The total amount of blood taken is minimal and should not cause any significant discomfort beyond the brief sensation of the needle.

Results Timeline

Most blood test results are available within one to two business days of your appointment. The IGRA tuberculosis test and RPR syphilis test are typically processed within this timeframe. Titer test results may take slightly longer depending on the specific tests ordered and the laboratory processing schedule.

Once all results are received, our civil surgeon will review them and contact you if any findings require discussion or follow-up. Your completed, sealed Form I-693 is typically ready within two to three business days of your appointment, assuming all results are normal and no additional testing is required.

What Happens With Abnormal Blood Test Results

If any blood test result is abnormal, our civil surgeon will contact you to discuss the finding. Depending on the nature of the result, additional testing, clinical evaluation, or treatment may be required before Form I-693 can be finalized. The civil surgeon will explain the finding clearly and advise you on next steps.

Not all abnormal results are grounds of inadmissibility. Many findings are treatable or do not meet the legal threshold for inadmissibility under U.S. immigration law. Our civil surgeon will explain the specific implications of your results and what options are available to you.

Preparation Tips for Your Blood Draw

No fasting is required for the standard immigration blood panel. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. Staying well hydrated before your visit can make the blood draw easier by keeping your veins more accessible. Drinking an extra glass or two of water in the hours before your appointment is a simple way to prepare.

If you feel anxious about blood draws, let our staff know when you arrive. We are experienced in working with patients who feel nervous, and we can take steps to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt or a shirt with sleeves that roll up easily will also help streamline the process.