Ukraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear

[Lena and Igor 5]

RE: positive chest x-ray (haziness) during the medical exam in Kiev, and as recommended by Gary, I've read most of the PI threads regarding this matter and it concerns me that if the sputum smear requirement is the same in Kiev as in the Manila, PI, Lena must wait 2 months before she can acquire the sputum smear results, whether negative or positive. Obviously, the clinic is trying to rule-out TB. She has had consecutive yearly chest x-rays as a school teacher and all have been negative.

I would appreciate any insight from those that have had to come back to Kiev to have this procedure performed? It is a 3-day procedure. If negative, were you able to go on with your interview date without delay? If positive, was medication ordered and did this delay your interview and subsequent POE? By how long? Thank you.

Edited April 28, 2011 by Lena and Igor

[james&olya 1,121]

RE: positive chest x-ray (haziness) during the medical exam in Kiev, and as recommended by Gary, I've read most of the PI threads regarding this matter and it concerns me that if the sputum smear requirement is the same in Kiev as in the Manila, PI, Lena must wait 2 months before she can acquire the sputum smear results, whether negative or positive. Obviously, the clinic is trying to rule-out TB. She has had consecutive yearly chest x-rays as a school teacher and all have been negative.

I would appreciate any insight from those that have had to come back to Kiev to have this procedure performed? It is a 3-day procedure. If negative, were you able to go on with your interview date without delay? If positive, was medication ordered and did this delay your interview and subsequent POE? By how long? Thank you.

From a medical perspective it sounds like you are confusing two different things. A sputum smear can be ready fairly quickly whereas a sputum culture takes months before you can be certain it is negative. Tb bacteria are very slow to grow in the lab making identification that way rather lengthy. A smear could theoretically be ready within hours. I don't know specifically which is being asked for in your case but if they have said three days then I would accept that.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

RE: positive chest x-ray (haziness) during the medical exam in Kiev, and as recommended by Gary, I've read most of the PI threads regarding this matter and it concerns me that if the sputum smear requirement is the same in Kiev as in the Manila, PI, Lena must wait 2 months before she can acquire the sputum smear results, whether negative or positive. Obviously, the clinic is trying to rule-out TB. She has had consecutive yearly chest x-rays as a school teacher and all have been negative.

I would appreciate any insight from those that have had to come back to Kiev to have this procedure performed? It is a 3-day procedure. If negative, were you able to go on with your interview date without delay? If positive, was medication ordered and did this delay your interview and subsequent POE? By how long? Thank you.

While I am not certain, I would not equate anythin in Ukraine to PI except the test procedure. PI has a completely different method of handling medicals and interviews due to their specific circumstances.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

From a medical perspective it sounds like you are confusing two different things. A sputum smear can be ready fairly quickly whereas a sputum culture takes months before you can be certain it is negative. Tb bacteria are very slow to grow in the lab making identification that way rather lengthy. A smear could theoretically be ready within hours. I don't know specifically which is being asked for in your case but if they have said three days then I would accept that.

James is your guy for this answer.

I do know that if she is found to be contagious with TB she wil have to be treated until she is determined not to be contagious. Hopefully you are seeing either a false reading or old scar tissue from an old infection and you will go on your way as scheduled.

[Lena and Igor 5]

Thank you both very much. We shall find out next week. Now it's more clear. I'll post the results.

[Lena and Igor 5]

Lena will travel to Kiev by train on Monday nite to be at her further medical testing for three mornings. It's all mapped-out for her and the hotel chosen is a 15 min walk to the clinic. Wish us luck and a medical approval. Thanks!

Edited May 1, 2011 by Lena and Igor

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Lena will travel to Kiev by train on Monday nite to be at her further medical testing for three mornings. It's all mapped-out for her and the hotel chosen is a 15 min walk to the clinic. Wish us luck and a medical approval. Thanks!

Good luck, I wish her the best. Perhaps a bit early but May is a great time to visit the Botanical Gardens in Kiev. Something to do anyway.

[Lena and Igor 5]

I will mention this to her tonight and mapquest the botanical gardens. She's a bit afraid to go anywhere but the clinic and back to her hotel room. Maybe to watch XFactor and cinema on TV and McDonalds to Skype with me. Thanks Gary.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I will mention this to her tonight and mapquest the botanical gardens. She's a bit afraid to go anywhere but the clinic and back to her hotel room. Maybe to watch XFactor and cinema on TV and McDonalds to Skype with me. Thanks Gary.

For a big city, Kiev is relatively safe, especially downtown where there are so many cops everywhere, of every type, that there is virtually no street crime. There are private drivers everywhere, so if she gets lost she can just get someone to drive her back to her hotel.

[Lena and Igor 5]

Lena passed her medical exam today! Packet 4 received! Next step: call for interview!

[james&olya 1,121]

Lena passed her medical exam today! Packet 4 received! Next step: call for interview!

Congratulations! Hope everything is smooth sailing for you now!

[LvivLovers 39]

Lena passed her medical exam today! Packet 4 received! Next step: call for interview!

Congrats!

[baron555 934]

Lena passed her medical exam today! Packet 4 received! Next step: call for interview!

Dude, you are so near toast. Congrats.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Lena passed her medical exam today! Packet 4 received! Next step: call for interview!

I wasn't worried.

Good news that she passed AND that she is healthy!

[Lena and Igor 5]

Yes I am very thankful!