My wife went to SLEC today at 7:15 AM and was given the number 50. 49 people had already arrived.
The guard wanted to see her passport, a photocopy of passport bio page, 4 pieces of her 2x2 visa photos with her name at the back, and a copy of the NVC letter with the case number. She did not have an interview scheduled yet. It was ok with him. She went through the welcome area for biometrics, and then she went to pay. She did her x-ray, blood draw, urine test, and physical exam. She said everyone was very friendly. There were a lot of children there too. She was surprised that on one of the forms, she had to list a close relative that lived in the States (not the petitioner). She just left that blank. She waited for the doctor, and she was number 35 in line by now. She changed into her gown and the doctor just pushed on her stomach, checked her neck and limbs, and asked about some general health questions.
She went to the US counter but was told her x-ray was unclear so she had to do 3 days of sputum tests (check for TB) and then wait for 2 months to see if the bacteria grows from the sputum samples. She asked for a copy of the x-ray, but they refused to provide her with one. There were at least 2 other women who had to go through sputum testing as well.
She was done by 11 AM.
Here are my two complaints.
1. The US doesn't really care about TB that much. If they did, they'd have foreign university students, migrant workers, and tourists also take a TB test. Also, how many illegal immigrants that cross the border or claim asylum are checked for TB? How many tourist visa holders who overstay their visa for years are checked for TB? The US allows millions of these visa holders to come into the country every year and risk spreading the bacteria. I read several case studies on the CDC's website where they analyze this and are like, "Oh well! All we can do is contract tracing after TB is already detected on US soil!"
2. Why is SLEC still using an old TB testing method for adults? They use IGRA for kids aged 2-14 and the result is available within 24 hours. SLEC increased the fees for adults in 2017, kept the old method of testing, and only allow kids to have IGRA. It baffles my mind. IGRA is far superior to a sputum test. The higher fee adults pay does not benefit them one bit! Adults pay for kids' tests.