An adult examination (15 years or older) typically consists of the following:

• A physical examination
• A tuberculin skin test (TST) is required for all persons 2 years or older to check for current or prior tuberculosis (TB) infection.  After the skin test is applied you must return to clinic in 48-72 hours for it to be read.  (Tests cannot be done on Thursdays.)   All applicants with abnormal (“positive”) skin test results will need to have a chest x-ray performed at our clinic.  Similarly, a chest x-ray will be required if you have a history of prior TB infection or a history of a positive TB skin test.  Many applicants have received BCG vaccination in their home country, but a skin test and/or chest X-ray will still required.  Any applicant identified as possibly having active TB will, per health department regulations, be referred to the Santa Clara County Department of Health and Human Services at 2220 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128. Telephone: 408 885-4231.
• A blood test for HIV (the virus that causes AIDS)
• A blood test for syphilis (RPR)
• If not reliably documented, adults will need vaccination for chickenpox (varicella), measles, mumps & rubella (MMR), and tetanus-diphtheria (Td).  You cannot receive MMR or chickenpox vaccine if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant in the next month.  In the event you need vaccination, we can test you for pregnancy and provide you with almost immediate results.

A pediatric examination (children 14 years of age or younger) does not require blood testing and typically consists of the following:

• A physical examination
• A TB skin test (see above)
• A review and update of routine pediatric immunizations.

TB Technical Updated Instructions on Form I-693