1)Tuberculosis<\/b><\/p>\n
Checking for any communicable diseases forms an important part of the Immigration Medical Examination, an exam that is conducted by USCIS-approved Civil Surgeons. Here are some frequently asked questions on tuberculosis that we answer here.<\/p>\n
Q: How long are TST\/IGRA and chest X-ray results valid after they are obtained by the civil surgeon?<\/b><\/p>\n
A: As the immigration medical examination is intended to be used as a preview or \u201csnapshot\u201d of the applicant\u2019s medical status it would be prudent to ensure that any TST\/IGRA and chest X-ray results of the applicant must be closely related in time to the physical examination and laboratory results.<\/p>\n
Q: Can the civil surgeon accept \u00a0\u00a0TST or IGRA results\u00a0 submitted by an outside doctor\u2019s office and taken prior to the date of the immigration medical examination, \u00a0in lieu of performing the TST or IGRA himself? <\/b><\/p>\n
A: The USCIS Surgeon should not accept the results of TST or IGRA tests taken many days or months prior to the USCIS examination date. This is because the Civil Surgeon must verify for himself that the person applying for immigration benefits is the person who is appearing for the immigration \u00a0exam (including any required tests such as the TST).<\/p>\n
However, there are exceptions to this. A tuberculosis test maybe accepted for a positive TST or IGRA result, based on an exception outlined in the TB TIs and updates.<\/p>\n
When should an applicant be classified with latent TB infection (LTBI)?<\/b><\/p>\n
A: An applicant can be classified with latent TB infection, provided the applicant:<\/p>\n