Greetings!
This is not uncommon, during chest x-ray, if the results show spots, meaning scarring then one must undergo a sputum test to rule out TB.
I remembered few postings on the site talking about the hassle of being tested, which is not a denial, but rather another delay for the visa application to be complete. Here is what I remembered, but not sure if this is still the current procedure. I hope it helps.
- When they see scarring from your chest x-ray result, they will schedule you for a sputum test which is three consecutive days. One must carefully follow the instructions given once in the clinic on how to properly collect the sputum samples, to avoid another delay.
- After the third day collection, they will give you a doctors evaluation schedule and it is usually one week after the last day of the sputum test.
- On the evaluation schedule, you will know if the test results, either you have a positive or negative result, and the doctor will explain of why a test was needed to be done. So, if the result is positive, then you will need six months treatment at St. Lukes everyday as the strategy is DOTS treatment, meaning directly observed treatment when taking your medications.
- and if you have a negative result, they still need to culture sputum for six to eight weeks, monitor the culture and if they turn positive even before six to eight weeks, the clinic will contact you and will have to start the treatment. if it is negative then you will have to go back and get your immunization shots, then you will be going home with your medical clearance, immunization form, CD x-ray, and a slip to guide you on how to schedule an interview appointment. And I think the rest of the medical result will be directly forwarded to the Us Embassy,
note: one thing that they mentioned is to be mindful with expiration of your medical examination date. It is one year, but if you went to a sputum test then it is six months. Does this mean that you may have your interview prior to your medical? I am not sure about this, but I'd read few who had their interview before there medical. Otherwise you will have to repeat the whole medical process as well as the payment.
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