[Military Momma]

O.K. Just got this from my agency and will confirm if it's for everyone adopting. It is my understanding that it is for everyone since it's issued by the CDC. I have also posted this on my blog!

The American Consulate in Guangzhou, China has issued the following notification regarding a new policy that will become effective on July 1, 2009. Please note that this policy affects only those families adopting a child that is between 2 and 14 years of age.

Starting July 1, 2009, the consulate will begin new screening and treatment requirements for tuberculosis for all Chinese immigrants, including adopted children between the ages of two and fourteen years. For medical exams on or after this date, panel physicians will be required to follow the 2007 Technical Instructions for Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Children between the ages of two and fourteen on the day of the medical exam will be required to have a tuberculin skin test. The test results must be read 48 to 72 hours after the test is administered. If the results are positive, a chest x-ray must be performed. Based upon the results of the chest x-ray, a physical exam, and the child’s medical history, the panel physician will determine the appropriate classification, if any, of tuberculosis. Further testing and treatment, prior to immigration, may be required. Due to this required examination, families adopting children between the ages of 2 and 14 years, may need to extend their stay in China a few extra days.

For information about tuberculosis screening and treatment, please visit the Center for Disease Control website at: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/faqs/default.htm

[cmckay]

I have received the same information you have. We were told if achild was was found to have tb, we would have to stay in Guangzhou until the treatment is completed - time period of 6 months. Have you heard the same thing?

[KarenInCa]

It's my understanding that first they will do an initial PPD skin test with the normal physical done in GZ. What we will all have to prepare for, is bringing the child back 48 hours later for the skin test to be read. But keep in mind that a positive PPD skin test will only show if the child has been exposed to TB, meaning that it could be positive reaction if the child has developed an immune response to TB from being exposed to the bacteria that causes the disease. If the skin test is positive, they will then have to do an X-ray to find out if the child is currently contagious.
However, keep in mind that most children will not show positive to the skin test. Of those that do show positive to the skin test, MOST of those children will not have any positive signs in the X-ray, for having active TB. The skin test can only determine of the child has been exposed to it in the past.
IF the X-ray proves positive and active TB, THEN the child must stay in China for the 6 months of treatment.
It's a chance, but it's a very, VERY slim chance that your child will have to stay in China for an additional 6 months after adoption.
Most PAPs choosing NSN will be referred a child younger than 2 yrs old, so those children will not have to be tested. And for those of us that are choosing SN- older than 2 yrs old, the odds are very low that the child will be TB positive with an X-ray.
I honestly think this is a case where the agency is advising you of the changes while doing the physicals in GZ, and we should be prepared with the "what-if" aspects, but it would be very, very rare for any of us to actually go thru the motions of staying in China for 6 months.

[jessibird]

I was bummed to hear another step-is this only for hague families?? I am sorry, but how can they expect a family to stay there for 6 months??? I am not worried, but still...
I will be a happy momma when we are home with our boy.

[KarenInCa]

I agree it would be tough for anyone to stay in a foreign land without their jobs etc for 6 months.
However, on the other hand, the government has to take precautions with keeping contagious diseases out of our country. If a child DOES have active TB, then they should be treated before entering the country.
But, why can't CCAA insist that the orphanages test for this before placing for adoption? It would be much easier (heart breaking but easier) for a family to decide to go to China AFTER or during the treatments than it would be to find out after the fact that they have to stay in China for an extended 6 months.
At least the family would know in advance how long they would intend to stay, and be able to make plans accordingly.

[ChelleBrewer]

Originally Posted by KarenInCa

However, on the other hand, the government has to take precautions with keeping contagious diseases out of our country. If a child DOES have active TB, then they should be treated before entering the country.
But, why can't CCAA insist that the orphanages test for this before placing for adoption? It would be much easier (heart breaking but easier) for a family to decide to go to China AFTER or during the treatments than it would be to find out after the fact that they have to stay in China for an extended 6 months.
At least the family would know in advance how long they would intend to stay, and be able to make plans accordingly.

I totally agree. I wonder if it has anything to do with bait and switch or 'trying to slide' some of the TB pos through the system. Just a thought.

As a family that has an immuno-suppressed child here at home and wanting to adopt, I am glad they are doing this. I just wonder if there is a more effective way...?