Your adoption journey can be an emotional roller coaster, filled with delight and dismay — and surprises, too. One of those surprises might be the fact that all members of the adoptive household must have up to date tuberculosis tests as part of the medical requirements of the Home Study process.
Why TB tests?
It may seem odd that tuberculosis tests are required. Tuberculosis is not a common disease in the United States. In the 1600s and into the 1800s, it was a devastating disease in Europe, where it was responsible for one quarter of the deaths. At one point, tuberculosis could be said to have killed off one seventh of the world’s population. But that was a long time ago. Since the end of the 20th century, thanks to vaccinations and antibiotics, tuberculosis has been a rare disease in the United States.
However, there are some reasons for concern. For one thing, resistant strains of tuberculosis have developed since the low point of contagion in the 1980s. While the disease can be successfully treated as long as people follow through the course of treatment, TB has shown up in some populations that have more difficulty following through on treatment. An outbreak in homeless shelters in Georgia a few years ago is an example.
Another concern is that there are current outbreaks. A significant outbreak has been running its course in Kansas City over the past year, with dozens of cases and many deaths. It is not possible to say that TB is no longer a problem.
Finally, the disease is very contagious and identification is complicated by the fact that there are both latent and active cases. Active cases, in which patients have symptoms, spread quickly. However, there are also latent cases. People with a latent case of TB do not have symptoms and are not contagious — but they can become active cases without warning.
How to get a TB test
A skin test or a blood test can be taken. These tests are often available at public health offices as well as at your doctor’s office. The test is not painful, and it takes just a few days to provide results.
The TB test may be a surprising part of your Home Study, but it doesn’t have to be frightening. It goes along with the medical clearance statement from your family doctor and all the other tools that help make sure that your adoptive child joins a safe and stable home.
Heimer Law is ready to support you through the adoption journey with all its surprises. Contact us for a free consultation.
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