My 3-day Sputum Exam Experience

[RandR333 9]

Follow up question... If on the 2nd day, immunization was given, does that mean being medically cleared? Or will the US embassy still be the one to decide regarding medical clearance on the day of the consul interview?

After the immunizations, you are good to go. Just have to wait for the embassy to receive the paperwork from St Lukes, as long as you are talking about after you received a negative sputum.

Edited December 28, 2012 by Robert and Ramona

[fruitpunch 0]

Some vaccines need another shot after 4 weeks. When can one get immunized here in the Philippines... e.g.varicella?

[harley44 0]

Hi there,

I also have the same dilemma.

My sputum exam is scheduled June 15 to 17. They had to cancel my interview dated June 26th, I am so upset. But still very thankful because my 3 yr old kid TST turned out negative.

I'm just wondering if there are more tests needed in those 3 days or just the sputum? And pls let me know when will I know the smear result, will it be on the 3rd day or 4th? Thank you

[harley44 0]

Hi there,

I also have the same dilemma. My sputum exam is scheduled June 15 to 17. They had to cancel my interview dated June 26th, I am so upset. But still very thankful because my 3 yr old kid TST turned out negative. I'm just wondering if there are more tests needed in those 3 days or just the sputum? And pls let me know when will I know the smear result, will it be on the 3rd day or 4th? Thank you

[bowens44 214]

Hi there,

I also have the same dilemma. My sputum exam is scheduled June 15 to 17. They had to cancel my interview dated June 26th, I am so upset. But still very thankful because my 3 yr old kid TST turned out negative. I'm just wondering if there are more tests needed in those 3 days or just the sputum? And pls let me know when will I know the smear result, will it be on the 3rd day or 4th? Thank you

Unfortunately, if you had to have a sputum test, even if the smear is negative you have to wait 8 weeks for the results of the culture.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Hi there,

I also have the same dilemma.

My sputum exam is scheduled June 15 to 17. They had to cancel my interview dated June 26th, I am so upset. But still very thankful because my 3 yr old kid TST turned out negative.

I'm just wondering if there are more tests needed in those 3 days or just the sputum? And pls let me know when will I know the smear result, will it be on the 3rd day or 4th? Thank you

First off you should start your own thread with this subject because your question is in a thread more than 4 years old. Now, for the answer to your question.

Basically it goes like this:

1) Chest X-ray, if clear you're good/done. If there's any suspicious findings (even if you're asymptomatic) you go to

2) Sputum, both rapid and culture. Rapid/initial is positive, you start treatment. If rapid is negative, you wait 2 months for the culture result. Meaning that they take the sputum collection and grow it in a medium that favors the growth of TB bacteria if present. It can take up to 6-8 weeks for TB to grow/appear. That's why if it show up at any time, you start treatment. If not, that's where you see people getting approved for immunizations after the cultures come back negative.

3) If any of the sputum collections show positive, then it's 6 months of DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course)

More information can be found in my K1 Guide. See the twisting arrow in the signature page below. Select the link. It's free information.

Good luck. Remember to look on the bright side, if you have TB you just saved your life by getting tested and medicated.

Edited June 13, 2015 by Greenbaum

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hi there,

I also have the same dilemma.

My sputum exam is scheduled June 15 to 17. They had to cancel my interview dated June 26th, I am so upset. But still very thankful because my 3 yr old kid TST turned out negative.

I'm just wondering if there are more tests needed in those 3 days or just the sputum? And pls let me know when will I know the smear result, will it be on the 3rd day or 4th? Thank you

The sputum testing is 60 days, the three days is just collection. You have two months of waiting ahead of you, hopefully. I say hopefully because if you head from SLEC before that it means you have TB and then need to complete 6 months of DOT.

[harley44 0]

so the smear result doesn't guarantee anything?

[Greenbaum 12,259]

so the smear result doesn't guarantee anything?

If your test is negative then you are finished and ready for vaccinations and then onto scheduling your interview. Your medical will be complete.

[cjalviz 0]

Hello to everyone! I'm cris jane. 15 yrs old i'm also have the same case. My smear is negative. And I'm so worried, My dad already done with his medical and interview. He is just waiting for me. I dont know I'm so worried

Please god help me!! Please if any of you have the same case please reply.

Thank you

PS: Sorry for my grammar

[Ali_kat 0]

Hello, My dad did his sputum test already this week and he has to wait for 2 months. But my concerned is his interview date is on May 25,2016, So my question is the petitioner will call the embassy for rescheduling the interview date or St.lukes will do it?

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hello, My dad did his sputum test already this week and he has to wait for 2 months. But my concerned is his interview date is on May 25,2016, So my question is the petitioner will call the embassy for rescheduling the interview date or St.lukes will do it?

You need to contact the embassy and cancel the interview, SLEC doesn't do that anymore from what I was reading. Make the call, play it safe

[Ban Hammer 13,337]

old thread closed. any further questions, please start a new thread.