Next thing is MEDICAL

[gayle blue 4]

so what is this sputum test that everybody is talking about? and what is the likelihood that a fiance or spouse will get this test?

I am supposed to go get an advance medical test but i am anxious about this sputum test.

Is it ok to get an x-ray exam even if the appointment date will/might come in a month's time?

# just wanna be enlightened

many thanks

[Matt & Freche 2]

this is a saliva test for TB - simple . next for tb is xray of chest arae.

[Vic20r 14]

Sputum culture comes after they found any abnormalities in your xray..

They will instruct you to cough out coming from your airways, not just simple saliva..I feared that i will undergo that sputum culture too so, i will be having my advance medical tomorrow hoping that they will let me in without appointment letter. I can not afford any delays anymore since our case has been long delayed at VSC..

[gayle blue 4]

hmmm...so should i go get an xray exam at a different clinic to be sure?

[Vic20r 14]

hmmm...so should i go get an xray exam at a different clinic to be sure?

Yes you can..

[raven52 233]

My fiance had an "independent" x-ray it was negative, and the first two doctors who looked at her x-ray during the medical said, "fine" the last one said suspicious! THAT triggers the sputum "farce" of 2 and 1/2 months! I have been told that on certain weeks that these "paid off" doctors are told to send 30 to 50% of the applicants for the sputum "farce"

After her 3 day culture came back negative, that should have been it! But, then we were subjected to the 8 and 1/2 more weeks of seeing if the culture will grow. So, you really sweat out the weeks 4-6. as this is the time that the culture will develope.,.,.but it does in about 1%that comes back positive. THIS IS A PHILIPPINE RACKET TO KEEP PHILIPPINE PEOPLE WORKING!

So, you call the clinic when they say, "IF THEY DO NOT CONTACT YOU FIRST" after the 8 and 1/2 weeks, and they will give you the results. After you go through the "farce" and all is ok.,.,.you can expect to "breeze through the rest of the medical and the interview was 5 questions for my fiance, and out the door! Was it worth it, YES, but that was the longest nearly 3 months I ever spent. JUST hope you are not on one of the weeks like my fiance went to the medical, and the very last doctor said "suspicious" what is suspicious is the crooked way that St. Luke's runs it medical for visa applicants! Hope no one ever has to endure what we did with this "sputum farce!"

[raven52 233]

I MISSED this! By all means, get an independent x-ray and reading, to take to the medical, THIS WOULD BE FOR A COMPARISON, for the "suspicious" doctor, as he would have something to compare to!

[gayle blue 4]

thank you for the response. i will get an advance x-ray from my local clinic here in my city so i can show it to them at st. lukes for comparison.

will it not be suspicious when i got this xray exam just near the actual medical exam?

[Hank_ 9,174]

Farce? TB is a serious issue. How many cases of TB do you hear of in the United States?

The Philippines has serious TB issues and being a contagious disease nothing to be lackadaisical about. SLEC has to follow the rules dictated by the embassy, the embassy has to follow the protocol set by CDC.

You may not of liked the process, but when you consider the Philippines is number #22 on the list of 196 countries with TB "issues", and of those top 22 countries they have 80 % of the worlds TB.... well to error on the side of caution is the smarter way to go.

[Travelpro 3]

I have to agree with Hank as bad as it would be to wait even longer....

I'm very interest in this topic as I have posted before.

Where in Manila would one go to get an independent x-ray? My fiance lives in Quezon City. If she needs to see a doctor for any reason, I send her to St Lukes. Should I send her to the very same place that will do the visa medical?

Say the independent x-ray is clear. Then during the medical test their x-ray shows something "suspicious"....in their opinion. Are they going to consider or even care about the independent x-ray?

Or second scenario is the independent x-ray comes back positive as does the additional testing. Then she is treated for TB over the 6 month period. Say she is finished with the treatment by the time of the medical exam. Can St Lukes still find something "suspicious"....in their opinion? Does the fact that she was on antibiotics for 6 months prior to the medical interview have any impact? Or say she is 4 months in on the 6 month treatment at the day of the medical interview....?

[Robb&Ann 101]

I have an since St. Lukes Extension does not honor most of the xray from other hospitals, what IF we get an xray at St. Lukes in Quezon City or in Global City??? I just thought that they might honor it.... since it is St. Lukes too!! the one in Quezon City was the main office I assume since that was the first hospital they have then the one in Global City at The Fort in Taguig which has more advanced facilities.. etc.. actually both..... then that one in Ermita is only their extension Clinic.. I wonder if the result would differ?? I wonder if they would not honor it if they see it "St. Lukes" it's from their hospital... some immigrating applicants to other countries were referred to St. Lukes in Global city those who are going to Australia,Canada and NZ are referred there.. so maybe they will honor those xray from the other hospitals???

[Robb&Ann 101]

what i am from the "other hospitals" is other St. Lukes' hospitals.. which are the one in Quezon City and Global City

[Hank_ 9,174]

SLEC may look at the x-ray from their own hospital but I believe they will still do another x-ray as its required by USEM. Now if someone was concerned about the TB I think it would not be a bad idea to get an x-ray during the I-129 petition stage just to be sure, then if needed the treatment can be done before. Then when SLEC does their x-ray and sees something suspicious you can show them the medical records and that you have been treated already. Will SLEC accept the previous treatment, even if done at St. Luke's hospital? Good question.

Edited May 27, 2013 by Hank_

[Robb&Ann 101]

SLEC would still do the xray for usem but at least they might consider it for comparison if in case.. Also to lessen our worries, if we get an xray done prior to the requirements for the interview, i think getting it done at St. lukes would be the best option than in other hospitals. provided that St. Lukes is using an advanced technology or facility.. St. Lukes in QC also has TB treatment.. and ya question is if SLEC would consider it if done in their other hospitals. but these two hospitals they have are known to be globally competitive or the best hospital that we have here aside from the Medical City or others..it would be good if PTb will be detected and treated as soon as possible (if there is really PTb). If SLEC to ST. Lukes QC or Taguig, it should be easy for them to verify the patient's record..but ofcourse only them can confirm if this is ok. so maybe contacting SLEC might give us an answer before doing any further action since SLEC is dealing with USEM and USEM might have different policy regarding this. ..

*If lucky, SLEC might honor the xray results and TB treatment if done in their other hospitals... . we never know but we can ask before doing anything..

Edited May 27, 2013 by Robb&Ann

[Robb&Ann 101]

As what is mentioned on their website:

• Whenever applicable, please bring the following:

  • Old chest x-ray films not less than 3 months prior to the medical examination
  • Detailed medical certificate regarding a previously-treated or currently managed clinically significant illness which should contain the following information:
    • duration and date of treatment
    • surgical procedure or medical intervention done
    • complete final diagnosis
    • outcome of treatment or treatment plans and prognosis, if available

I guess those who still have much time can do this to know as early as now if there will be a problem with their x-ray and if needs to have a treatment..

If positive for PTb, as long as the treatment is recorded very well and includes the information that SLEC are looking for, then they might honor it.

For us who got approved already, i think we can just proceed with our medical as soon as possible and hope that everything will be ok.