Confused and worried about Sputum test

[Debmm 8]

Hi I had to unfortunately do the sputum test in November. I researched everywhere and my doctor told me it would be a 6 to 8 week wait.

I am currently in my 7th week and haven't heard anything, so i took a chance and called my doctors office who told me it's a 8 to 10 week wait. I really hope this is not the case, as this means i have another 4 weeks to wait when i thought i only had one more week! Is there any truth in this statement.

I really just want to get my life going again, this sitting in limbo is torture, and i'm working at the moment and need to give a months notice. I had planned on leaving in March but at this rate it will only be April, which is also problematic as my lease expires end of March. I have been really patient up till now but now i'm finding it incredibly difficult.

And the other issue is not knowing how long it will take to get my visa issued once i and the embassy receive my results.

[Unidentified 2,930]

8-10 sounds a bit much. As far as I have head it can take up to 8 weeks until a lab gets the results.

[mandy8486 2]

My husband is in Mexico and has to have the sputum test. He was told 9 weeks. They gave him a piece of paper with the specific date on it.

[kath1980 1]

Hi everyone - I'm a bit confused as this is the first I've heard of a sputum test and an additional 8 week wait for results? I was under the impression you schedule the medical a few days ahead of your interview (2 days seems to be the norm) with chest x-rays, vaccinations etc.....? I have just received packet 3 and am waiting on my police clearance (the last of my paperwork that is outstanding). I am hoping it will be here by March as they are experiencing massive delays in Pretoria for PCC.

Thank you in advance for shedding any light on this!

Best regards

[Ed n Chris 8]

Hi everyone - I'm a bit confused as this is the first I've heard of a sputum test and an additional 8 week wait for results? I was under the impression you schedule the medical a few days ahead of your interview (2 days seems to be the norm) with chest x-rays, vaccinations etc.....? I have just received packet 3 and am waiting on my police clearance (the last of my paperwork that is outstanding). I am hoping it will be here by March as they are experiencing massive delays in Pretoria for PCC.

Thank you in advance for shedding any light on this!

Best regards

The sputum test can be ordered if the x-ray shows signs of scaring.

This appears to be the case in many/most? people who have had a bout of TB anytime in their past.

[Debmm 8]

Hi everyone - I'm a bit confused as this is the first I've heard of a sputum test and an additional 8 week wait for results? I was under the impression you schedule the medical a few days ahead of your interview (2 days seems to be the norm) with chest x-rays, vaccinations etc.....? I have just received packet 3 and am waiting on my police clearance (the last of my paperwork that is outstanding). I am hoping it will be here by March as they are experiencing massive delays in Pretoria for PCC.

Thank you in advance for shedding any light on this!

Best regards

Hi medicals need to be at least 2 weeks before your interview to give the doctor time to send your documents to the embassy. Apparently it takes 2 weeks to get there. If after your xray, during your appointment, they find scarring on your lungs only then will they do sputum tests, in which case you will have to wait an extra 8 weeks. If you're a smoker, asthmatic and/or have suffered with chest infections and bronchitis you may need to do the test as those all also cause scarring.

[Jim & Kristyn 1]

Just as a light at the end of the tunnel - i was both a smoker (10 years ago) and have asthma and my chest xrays came back normal/clear.