Any issue/question during interview related to Latent TB?

[tsrusa2002]

Hi,
As part of the medical test for Green Card for my parent, INS Doctor ordered TB tests. The skin test came positive (expected due to BCG given way back). Chest X-ray came in Normal. However still the INS Doctor wrote latent TB and suggested to take medication for 9 months and consult our regular Doctor during the course of Therapy.
My parent has interview. Would there be questions brought regarding this? Do they need this therapy to be completed? I am not sure what to provide in case there are question. Obviously the medication has its own side effects and typically BCG vaccination always renders this condition.
Should we be worried about for the interview?

[mickey_mouse]

Chest X-ray came in Normal. However still the INS Doctor wrote latent TB and suggested to take medication for 9 months and consult our regular Doctor during the course of Therapy.

You should have argued *right then* for the need of taking any kind of medication. As you point out, TST usually comes back positive on those that have received the BCG vaccine - that's why doctors order a chest x-ray to sort out if it is a false positive or a true TB infection.

If the X-ray came back normal, then he shouldn't be prescribed any kind of treatment. The X-Ray actually takes precedence over the TST test - the doctor *should not* recommend any course of antibiotics or similar, as the analysis of the X-ray (again) has heavier diagnosis weight than the TST.

My parent has interview. Would there be questions brought regarding this? Do they need this therapy to be completed? I am not sure what to provide in case there are question. Obviously the medication has its own side effects and typically BCG vaccination always renders this condition.
Should we be worried about for the interview?

There could be. You have exactly two options now: if you haven't yet submitted the I-693 - find another doctor. Cost associated, result may be the same. Or take the medication, hope for the best. Also consider that the treatment recommended for suspected TB has only serious side effects on pregnant, or planning to become pregnant women. Yes, cost associated for the medications - again, you should have raised your objections to the doctor on the spot.

[tsrusa2002]

The X-Ray resport from Local Health department gave the clearance (says not communicable). The note from CS states to follow-up with our Family Doctor for medication and liver function test. We did discuss with our Family doctor (back in home country) and doctor advised not to take the medication due to side effects.
I was also reading some guidelines on USCIS.GOV ...as below. So I am confused whether immigration clearance and Preventive treatment are two separate things (not dependent).


Q. What is my skin test is positive and my chest x-ray is normal?
A. If you are diagnosed with Class B, Latent TB infection, the civil surgeon may recommend you go to the health department for further assessment and preventative treatment. However, it is only recommended (not required) that you get assessed by the local health department. The civil surgeon can immediately sign Form I-693 and give it to you in a sealed envelope provided that all other examinations are up-to-date, and you can be medically cleared for immigration purposes prior to the referral to the health department TB control program.