Wife is pregnant, but now needs xrays as part of medical exam

[jhansen6 0]

hey guys,

After a long wait, my wife finally got her interview date for the Visa! It's in just over a month from now, and it's been a year since we started this process.

We live in Canada, and as part of the medical examination (pre-interview) process I believe she will need to get a chest Xray. The problem is that she is also now 8 weeks pregnant. I know people will say that it's ok, and safe, and rare for problems to happen, but we honestly just don't feel comfortable exposing the baby to unnecessary radiation.

I get that chest xrays are necessary for TB spread prevention, but we're born and raised in CANADA, we're not coming from South Africa here. Is there any way to avoid this? Like a TB skin test, blood panel, etc? I called the doctor, but no response yet.

thanks guys.

[NikLR 13,227]

Yes its mandatory. They use a lead vest as needed to prevent issues.

[aaron2020 11,651]

The x-ray is mandatory. There is no way to avoid it. No x-ray = no visa.

Your wife can choose to have the x-ray while pregnant or she choose to defer the x-ray until she gives birth. If she defers, then she will want to reschedule her interview. The US Embassy will deny her a visa if she shows up to her interview without the civil surgeon signing off on the medical exam for failing to have an x-ray.

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Outreach/Notes%20from%20Previous%20Engagements/2012/May%202012/civil-surgeonQA-11-13-12.pdf

Q21. If a pregnant applicant needs an X-ray, should the civil surgeon give her the option to have the chest X-ray during her pregnancy or automatically defer until after she has given birth?

A21. A pregnant applicant should be given the option to have the chest X-ray during her pregnancy or defer the X-ray until after delivery. Based on the CDC’s Tuberculosis Component of Technical Instructions, if the applicant decides to undergo an X-ray during pregnancy, the possible risks of radiation to the fetus should be explained to her, and informed consent should be obtained and confirmed by having the applicant sign a consent form. If the applicant defers the radiograph until after delivery, the civil surgeon cannot sign the medical examination form until the radiograph is performed and interpreted, and treatment for Class A pulmonary TB disease, if needed, is completed. See page 12 of the TB Technical Instructions.

Edited July 7, 2016 by aaron2020

[jhansen6 0]

I'm sure she can probably defer the interview until after giving birth, but what I really would like to know is whether or not she can get the VISA then take the xray later, or rather if there is any alternative test she can take other than radiation? Again, taking into consideration we are from Canada here, not a TB endemic country. These hard-fast rules make no sense, and there should be times that they are flexible.

[Ryan H 3,810]

I'm sure she can probably defer the interview until after giving birth, but what I really would like to know is whether or not she can get the VISA then take the xray later, or rather if there is any alternative test she can take other than radiation? Again, taking into consideration we are from Canada here, not a TB endemic country. These hard-fast rules make no sense, and there should be times that they are flexible.

No

[EM_Vandaveer 2,387]

I'm sure she can probably defer the interview until after giving birth, but what I really would like to know is whether or not she can get the VISA then take the xray later, or rather if there is any alternative test she can take other than radiation? Again, taking into consideration we are from Canada here, not a TB endemic country. These hard-fast rules make no sense, and there should be times that they are flexible.

Your questions have been answered already. You just don't like the answer.

[aaron2020 11,651]

I'm sure she can probably defer the interview until after giving birth, but what I really would like to know is whether or not she can get the VISA then take the xray later, or rather if there is any alternative test she can take other than radiation? No. None. She needs the x-ray so the civil surgeon can sign off on the medical exam. No x-ray = no visa. There is absolutely no way to get a visa without an x-ray. Again, taking into consideration we are from Canada here, not a TB endemic country. Yet, Canadians still get TB and are not immune to it. These hard-fast rules make no sense, and there should be times that they are flexible. Rules and laws apples to everyone equally.

[Unlockable 7,314]

As someone who has worked with X-rays and radiation producing equipment for more than 10 years I can tell you that you are making a bigger issue with this than it is. You wife and child will be fine.

P.S. Tuberculosis cases are still reported in Canada.

[Lemonslice 4,710]

Unrelated but important note, because you mentioned you are living in Canada, I recommend you read the thread on domicile in the Canada forum.

[jhansen6 0]

" read the thread on domicile in the Canada forum. " Can you please provide link ? thank you

yes, yes, I know TB is reported in Canada, just as it is reported in the USA. My point is that we are not high risk, as one might be coming from China, Russia, or certain endemic African countries. As the risk is lower, there may be some flexibility in allowing a different diagnostic test that reduces potential harm to the child. Thank you all for saying that I have nothing to worry about, but I learned long ago not to trust others with my (or my children's) health. "trust me, they'll be fine" just isn't convincing anymore. If it can be avoided, it should. That was my question in this thread, CAN it be avoided. The answer apparently is no. Thank you.

[Lemonslice 4,710]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/164618-proving-domicile-when-not-living-in-the-us/

[JFH 12,189]

" read the thread on domicile in the Canada forum. " Can you please provide link ? thank you

yes, yes, I know TB is reported in Canada, just as it is reported in the USA. My point is that we are not high risk, as one might be coming from China, Russia, or certain endemic African countries. As the risk is lower, there may be some flexibility in allowing a different diagnostic test that reduces potential harm to the child. Thank you all for saying that I have nothing to worry about, but I learned long ago not to trust others with my (or my children's) health. "trust me, they'll be fine" just isn't convincing anymore. If it can be avoided, it should. That was my question in this thread, CAN it be avoided. The answer apparently is no. Thank you.

The U.K. also is not a country with a high rate of TB but we also have to be x-rayed here. All it takes is contact with the mucous of someone - a visitor to the country - and it can be passed. You don't even need to touch them. Considering you probably travel though international airports and so on, you are theoretically still at risk.

A lead apron or skirt will be provided for your wife. Whenver I have had an x-Ray I have always been given one as it is standard practice in the UK to assume that a woman could potentially be pregnant and not know that she is so lead skirts or aprons are provided.

Edited July 7, 2016 by JFH

[observatorka 197]

This single chest X-ray is safe. We get more radiation from sun and earth every year.

[canadian_wife 1,808]

The alternative, if you are VERY against having the chest x-ray, is to delay the medical and the interview until after the baby is born. This may be better anyway cost wise. Do you have medical insurance for your wife for the U.S. since you mention living in Canada?

Good luck

[Dutchster 1,106]

I'm sure she can probably defer the interview until after giving birth, but what I really would like to know is whether or not she can get the VISA then take the xray later, or rather if there is any alternative test she can take other than radiation? Again, taking into consideration we are from Canada here, not a TB endemic country. These hard-fast rules make no sense, and there should be times that they are flexible.

Oh man, you made me cringe here. I got TB infection 21 years ago, at the age of 4. My dad, just a regular and normal Dutch citizen had open tuberculosis. Weird, because he didn't went to Africa or some other Eastern country. He just got it from whoever he might have been in contact with during his work as a supervisor, checking new buildings etc. Moral of my story? The Netherlands is not a TB endemic country, yet, people can get infected. And you don't have to be Eastern for that.

Edited July 8, 2016 by stephadams