medical exam - tuberculosis

[new2010 2]

My father is going to have his medical exam soon. There was a questionnaire to be filled out on line and it needs to be presented to the physician at the hospital where he will have his medical exam. There is a question - Do you have history of Tuberculosis?

My dad does not remember whether he had or he did not have Tuberculosis. He just knew he was very sick when he was little. His parents both passed away when he was only a few years old. He was told that his father had Tuberculosis.

In this case, does he say yes or no to that question since he wasn't 100% sure? What is the consequence of having had Tuberculosis in the past but is all well now? Will that stop him being approved to get his immigrant visa?

Any input will be appreciated. Thanks!

[Dutchster 1,106]

If he was told that his father has TB, then he should definitely mention that during the medical exam. If he had TB too - which could explain he was very ill at that time- the panel physician wants to see his treatment history and where he got treated, dose of the medication etc. Is there any way your father can obtain a medical record showing any treatment for him? If he got treated with INH for example, and your father doesn't mention this at the time of the interview and they might just test him there or randomly in the US, his skintext (mantoux) will pop up positive because of the antidote still working in your body. (Which is for example my case right now)

Be 100% honest with immigration. It can delay the visa a little but no denial right away.

Edited August 17, 2016 by stephadams

[xmaricrisx 25]

If your father has no recollection of being formally diagnosed of having TB by a physician he can say he does not have history of having it, but it is very important to state that he was exposed to it due to his father having it. During his medical exam he will have an xray taken and if there is any slight indication of scarring/fibrosis in his lungs he will have to undergo a sputum examination, which will delay him at least 8wks. If the culture results come back negative, he will be free to continue with his interview. If the culture results are positive, he must be treated first before he can come to the US.

A positive TB diagnosis does not mean an immediate visa denial.