{"id":5642,"date":"2025-10-26T18:43:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T01:43:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/?page_id=5642"},"modified":"2026-05-10T19:59:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T02:59:00","slug":"tb-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/tb-2\/","title":{"rendered":"TB Tuberculosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1>\n\t\t\tTB &#8211; Tuberculosis\t<\/h1>\n<h1>\n\t\t\tUSCIS Clinic, P.C.  i-693 Immigration Medicals, Milpitas &#038; San Jose.\t<\/h1>\n\t<p><strong>TB testing is required for all green card applicants undergoing I-693 Immigration Medical Exams and those seeking an Adjustment of Status to become permanent U.S. residents. All applicants over six months of age must have a TB test to rule out infection. Approximately 20% of the global population is estimated to be infected with TB, depending on age, sex, country of birth, and other factors. Here, you will learn about available tests, treatments, and the differences between latent and active TB. All Civil Surgeons are required to screen applicants for TB and sexually transmitted diseases, report findings to USCIS and the local Public Health department of the applicant&#8217;s county of residence, and provide disease counseling. We at USCIS Clinic ensure we mitigate yours and public health risks, allowing you to submit your I-693 forms timely without unnecessary delays.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The following information is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Lab tests needed will depend on your age, medical history, travel history, risk factors, and requirements set by USCIS, CDC, or other entities. Consult our USCIS Clinic provider or your primary care physician before doining any testing &amp; treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Neema Malhotra at USCIS Clinic to determine if you have TB and what are available treatmnets, which lab tests are necessary for diagnosing a medical condition, assessing health status, or for purposes such as immigration, school, employment, or preventive care.<\/p>\n\t<p><!-- Start SimplePractice Appointment-Request Widget Embed Code --><\/p>\n<style>.spwidget-button-wrapper{text-align: center}.spwidget-button{display: inline-block;padding: 12px 24px;color: #fff !important;background: #de6a26;border: 0;border-radius: 28px;font-size: 28px;font-weight: 600;text-decoration: none}.spwidget-button:hover{background: #d15913}.spwidget-button:active{color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .75) !important;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, .15) inset}<\/style>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/uscisclinic.janeapp.com\" data-spwidget-scope-id=\"7798ca77-3268-43a6-ae62-8104e43f5b10\" data-spwidget-scope-uri=\"uscisclinic\" data-spwidget-application-id=\"7c72cb9f9a9b913654bb89d6c7b4e71a77911b30192051da35384b4d0c6d505b\" data-spwidget-scope-global=\"\" data-spwidget-autobind=\"\">Request Appointment<\/a>\n<br \/>\n<!-- End SimplePractice Appointment-Request Widget Embed Code -->\n<h3><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/files\/2025\/10\/Tb-X-ray-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Tuberculosis: General Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h4><strong>What is TB?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB can die if they do not get treatment.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What Are the Symptoms of TB?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. The symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood. Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>How is TB Spread?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected; this is called latent TB infection.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What is the Difference Between Latent TB Infection and TB Disease?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>People with\u00a0<em>latent TB infection<\/em>\u00a0have TB germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of TB disease, and they cannot spread the germs to others. However, they may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.<\/p>\n<p>People with TB disease are sick from TB germs that are active, meaning that they are multiplying and destroying tissue in their body. They usually have symptoms of TB disease. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. They are prescribed drugs that can treat TB disease.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What Should I Do If I Have Spent Time with Someone with Latent TB Infection?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>A person with latent TB infection cannot spread germs to other people. You do not need to be tested if you have spent time with someone with latent TB infection. However, if you have spent time with someone with TB disease or someone with symptoms of TB, you should be tested.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What Should I Do if I Have Been Exposed to Someone with TB Disease?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>People with TB disease are most likely to spread the germs to people they spend time with every day, such as family members or coworkers.\u00a0<strong>If you have been around someone who has TB disease, you should go to your doctor or your local health department for tests.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4><strong>How Do You Get Tested for TB?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>There are two tests that can be used to help detect TB infection: a skin test or TB blood test. The Mantoux tuberculin skin test is performed by injecting a small amount of fluid (called tuberculin) into the skin in the lower part of the arm. A person given the tuberculin skin test must return within 48 to 72 hours to have a trained health care worker look for a reaction on the arm. The TB blood tests measure how the patient&#8217;s immune system reacts to the germs that cause TB.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What Does a Positive Test for TB Infection Mean?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>A positive test for TB infection only tells that a person has been infected with TB germs. It does not tell whether or not the person has progressed to TB disease. Other tests, such as a chest x-ray and a sample of sputum, are needed to see whether the person has TB disease.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>What is Bacille Calmette-Gu\u00e8rin (BCG)?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>BCG is a vaccine for TB disease. BCG is used in many countries, but it is <strong>not<\/strong> generally recommended in the United States. BCG vaccination is not effective and does not completely prevent people from getting TB. It may also cause a false positive tuberculin skin test. However, persons who have been vaccinated with BCG can be given a tuberculin skin test or TB blood test.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Why is Latent TB Infection Treated?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>If you have latent TB infection but not TB disease, your doctor may want you to take a drug to kill the TB germs and prevent you from developing TB disease. The decision about taking treatment for latent infection will be based on your chances of developing TB disease. Some people are more likely than others to develop TB disease once they have TB infection. This includes people with HIV infection, people who were recently exposed to someone with TB disease, and people with certain medical conditions.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>How is TB Disease Treated?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>TB disease can be treated by taking several drugs for 6 to 12 months. It is very important that people who have TB disease finish the medicine, and take the drugs exactly as prescribed. If they stop taking the drugs too soon, they can become sick again; if they do not take the drugs correctly, the germs that are still alive may become resistant to those drugs. TB that is resistant to drugs is harder and more expensive to treat. In some situations, staff of the local health department meet regularly with patients who have TB to watch them take their medications. This is called directly observed therapy (DOT). DOT helps the patient complete treatment in the least amount of time.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Additional Information<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/medbox.iiab.me\/modules\/en-cdc\/www.cdc.gov\/tb\/publications\/faqs\/default.htm\" target=\"_self\">CDC. Questions and Answers About TB<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want to become a TB expert? &gt; Read this USCIS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/files\/2024\/01\/TB-civil-tech-instructions-uscis-clinic-milpitas-san-jose-dr-neema-malhotra.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TB Technical Manual for Civil Surgeons\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/files\/2023\/02\/uscis-clinic-labs-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is Quantiferon (Tuberculosis) TB Test (QFT)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h4><strong>Quantiferon <\/strong><strong>QFT<\/strong> lab blood test can aid in the diagnosis of both active TB disease and LTBI. It applies to all patient groups that would be candidates for the traditional tuberculin skin test, but has several significant benefits, including:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Accuracy<\/strong>: QFT lab test is a blood test that assesses the production of gamma interferon by a type of white blood cell, and is a sensitive test for exposure to TB. A positive result means that the patient has been exposed to the M. tuberculosis bacterium, which may be either latent (asymptomatic) or active. Most results of the test (&gt;95%) result in either a positive or negative result, and are not affected by compromised immunity, such as that seen in HIV patients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Convenience<\/strong>: A QFT lab test can generate the desired disease information after a single patient visit, whereas a TB skin test must be evaluated by a clinician in a subsequent visit days later.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reliability<\/strong>: The TB skin test requires an intradermal injection, which is subject to health provider error in administration. It also requires a second visit to the health care provider after 2-3 days to interpret the test. False positives with the skin test may occur in the setting of vaccination\/administration, and false negatives may occur in immunocompromised patients. No fasting is needed.<\/li>\n<li>Many people born outside of the United States have been given a vaccine called BCG.People who were previously vaccinated with BCG may receive a TB skin test to test for TB infection. Vaccination with BCG may cause a false positive reaction to a TB skin test. A positive reaction to a TB skin test may be due to the BCG vaccine itself or due to infection with TB bacteria.TB blood tests (IGRAs), unlike the TB skin test, are not affected by prior BCG vaccination and are not expected to give a false-positive result in people who have received BCG. TB blood tests are the preferred method of TB testing for people who have received the BCG vaccine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/files\/2025\/10\/TB_bacteria_1200x675-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>\u00a0Who Should Do TB Test?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>To reduce disparities related to TB, screening, prevention, and control efforts should be targeted to the populations at greatest risk, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Green Card Applicants for Immigration Medical Exam (I-693)<\/li>\n<li>Healthcare workers<\/li>\n<li>Military personnel<\/li>\n<li>The Elderly<\/li>\n<li>Students<\/li>\n<li>Immigrants<\/li>\n<li>International travelers<\/li>\n<li>Residents of long-term care facilities<\/li>\n<li>People with weakened immune systems<\/li>\n<li>Persons living in correctional facilities or other congregate settings<\/li>\n<li>Close contact with persons known or suspected to have Active TB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>About Tuberculosis (TB) Blood Test<\/h3>\n<p>Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. It usually affects the lungs, but sometimes also affects other parts of the body such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB can die from it if it is left untreated. Usually, when people are sick from active TB germs, the germs multiply and destroy tissue in the body. They normally experience symptoms. TB disease is contagious if it&#8217;s in the lungs or throat (which it usually is). When these results are taken to a doctor, they will be prescribed treatment to cure TB.<\/p>\n<h3>What is latent TB infection?<\/h3>\n<p>When people have Tuberculosis germs in their bodies but are not experiencing symptoms, it is often because the germs in their system are not active. Latent TB infection is not contagious, however, it can still develop into TB disease eventually. Because of this, treatment is often still done to prevent developing TB disease.<\/p>\n<p>If the TB blood test is positive, a chest X-ray is required to rule out active TB. If the X-ray indicates active TB, treatment must be completed before finishing the I-693 form. If the TB test is positive but the X-ray shows no active disease, preventive treatment is recommended. Those without insurance can receive free treatment from the local public health departments.<\/p>\n<p>Applicants should consult their primary provider (PCP) about TB, Syphilis, Gonorrhea or other communicable diseases, health conditions &amp; for further investigation, advise and care.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?<\/h3>\n<p>The following are some symptoms of TB disease, other potential symptoms depend on the body parts affected by the disease:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sickness<\/li>\n<li>Weakness<\/li>\n<li>Unintentional Weight Loss<\/li>\n<li>Night Sweats<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Coughing<\/li>\n<li>Coughing up blood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Is Tuberculosis contagious?<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Yes, it is.<\/strong> When a person with Tuberculosis disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, sings, or even just speaks it puts out the TB germs into the air and risks other people around them.<\/p>\n<p>These germs can stay in the air for several hours, but it all depends on the environment.<\/p>\n<p>When people become infected by breathing the air containing the germs it is called &#8220;latent Tuberculosis infection.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Tuberculosis has to be reported to the county Health department, which is responsible to ensuring that the disease does not spread.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What TB test do we use?<\/h3>\n<p>There are two <strong>approved TB Blood tests<\/strong> in the USA by the FDA. Skin Tests are <strong>NOT<\/strong> acceptable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>One is the\u00a0<em><strong>QuantiFERON &#8211; QFT TB Gold<\/strong> In-Tube<\/em>\u00a0test (QFT-GIT), and the other is the\u00a0<em>T-spot TB<\/em>\u00a0test. We use the QFT-GIT test.<\/p>\n<p>When you go into one of our recommended labs for testing, a technician will gather blood using a needle. From there, the blood is sent to a laboratory. Once there, the lab runs a test on the blood to see how the immune system reacts to the germs that cause TB.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What do the results of a Tuberculosis test mean?<\/h3>\n<p>A positive TB blood test means the person is infected with TB bacteria. A doctor will need to do additional tests to determine if it is a latent TB infection or TB disease.<\/p>\n<p>A negative TB blood test means the blood did not react to the test and that latent TB and TB disease are not likely.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What is latent TB infection?<\/h3>\n<p>When people have Tuberculosis germs in their bodies but are not experiencing symptoms, it is often because the germs in their system are not active. Latent TB infection is not contagious, however, it can still develop into TB disease eventually. Because of this, treatment is often still done to prevent developing TB disease.<\/p>\n<p>If the <strong>TB blood\u00a0 test is positive<\/strong>, a chest X-ray is required to rule out active TB. If the X-ray indicates active TB, treatment must be completed before finishing the I-693 form. If the TB test is positive but the X-ray shows no active disease, preventive treatment is recommended. Those without insurance can receive free treatment from the local public health departments.<\/p>\n<p>Applicants should consult their primary provider (PCP) about TB, Syphilis, Gonorrhea or other communicable diseases, health conditions &amp; for further investigation, advise, treatment and care.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>What do I do if I spent time with someone with a Tuberculosis Infection?<\/h3>\n<p>TB disease is most likely to spread to people who hang around the person infected a lot like family members or close friends. If you have been around someone who has TB disease, you should go to your doctor or your local health department to get tested.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Are there treatments for Tuberculosis\u00a0available?<\/h3>\n<p>For people sick with TB disease, the treatment is usually several drugs for about 2 to 12 months. It is a treatment that must be followed carefully because if they stop taking the drugs too soon, the disease can pick up again. If they do not take the drugs correctly, the remaining germs may become resistant to the drugs and will become more difficult and expensive to cure.<\/p>\n<p>It can be so difficult that at times the staff of their health department will meet regularly with patients who have TB to watch them take their medications. This form of treatment is called &#8220;directly observed therapy&#8221; (DOT). DOT helps complete treatment with the patient in the most efficient amount of time.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>How long should I wait before getting tested for TB?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no incubation period for Tuberculosis when using a blood test, so you don&#8217;t have to wait before getting tested using our QF TB blood test method of testing. Please note that TB can take several weeks before creating a reaction to the skin test, however using a blood test, there is no incubation period. QF TB Blood test takes about 3-5 days.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Want to become a TB expert? &gt; Read this USCIS <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/files\/2024\/01\/TB-civil-tech-instructions-uscis-clinic-milpitas-san-jose-dr-neema-malhotra.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TB Technical Manual for Civil Surgeons\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/files\/2024\/01\/X-ray-for-TB-uscis-clinic-300x250.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>CHEST X-Ray Orders (Required Only If TB Test Is Positive:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If your<strong> TB blood test is positive<\/strong>, a two-view chest X-ray is required to rule out active tuberculosis. X-rays cost is under $100. Confirm pricing and hours with your facility. We will provide at an additional cost, TB counselling, consulting &amp; meet manadory requirement of reporting positive TB results to USCIS and local public health departments of applicants county of residence.<\/p>\n<p>Show our Order to a radiology center &amp; ask to fax it to us. The report must include the X-ray date and interpretation and specifically state there is <strong>no evidence of active TB<\/strong>. This documentation is needed for USCIS and local health department. X-ray films are not required.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<em>\u00a0 Suggested facilities include:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0In our San Jose, Bay Area<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Valley Radiology\/RadNet Imaging (VRI):<\/strong> 20 locations in Northern California &#8211; <strong>https:\/\/www.radnet.com\/northern-california\/<\/strong> or ValleyRadiology.com<\/li>\n<li><strong>Simon Med Imaging:<\/strong> <strong>com<\/strong>, 9 locations, appointments at 415-248-1291 or 816-614-8555<\/li>\n<li><strong>Just-Xray:<\/strong> 244 N. Jackson Ave Suite #110, walk-ins accepted, JustXray.com, 408-272-2727<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>If using another provider, ensure your report is signed by a radiologist and submitted on official letterhead <\/strong>&amp;<strong> faxed directly to (408) 650-7417 <\/strong>to be compliant<strong>. <\/strong>This report is shared with USCIS &amp; PHD<\/p>\n\t<p><!-- Start SimplePractice Appointment-Request Widget Embed Code --><\/p>\n<style>.spwidget-button-wrapper{text-align: center}.spwidget-button{display: inline-block;padding: 12px 24px;color: #fff !important;background: #de6a26;border: 0;border-radius: 28px;font-size: 28px;font-weight: 600;text-decoration: none}.spwidget-button:hover{background: #d15913}.spwidget-button:active{color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .75) !important;box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, .15) inset}<\/style>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/uscisclinic.janeapp.com\" data-spwidget-scope-id=\"7798ca77-3268-43a6-ae62-8104e43f5b10\" data-spwidget-scope-uri=\"uscisclinic\" data-spwidget-application-id=\"7c72cb9f9a9b913654bb89d6c7b4e71a77911b30192051da35384b4d0c6d505b\" data-spwidget-scope-global=\"\" data-spwidget-autobind=\"\">Request Appointment<\/a>\n<br \/>\n<!-- End SimplePractice Appointment-Request Widget Embed Code -->\n\t<h3>98 S Abel Street<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Milpitas CA 95035<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>2730 Union Ave, Suite B<br \/>\nSan Jose, CA 95124<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><strong>(408) 684-8600<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TB &#8211; Tuberculosis USCIS Clinic, P.C. i-693 Immigration Medicals, Milpitas &#038; San Jose. TB testing is required for all green card applicants undergoing I-693 Immigration Medical Exams and those seeking an Adjustment of Status to become permanent U.S. residents. All applicants over six months of age must have a TB test to rule out infection.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5642","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5642"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5642\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uscisclinic.com\/uscis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}