I’m sorry to read of the problems you each had with your wives’ pre-entry screening and treatment for TB, and wish you well for the future.
As always, without knowing the individuals concerned, I can only make general comments which I hope may be useful.


• The " mucus " / " shadow " seen on X-rays in each case was likely to be an area of inflammation and scarring which the specialists have concluded was due to TB infection. Proof requires identifying the TB " bugs " microscopically in sputum samples ( or sometimes an actual tissue biopsy ). A very large number need to be present to actually see them – hence the result may be " inconclusive ", or apparently negative, even if TB is present. " Culture " of the sputum sample – attempting to grow the TB " bugs " in special media over several weeks - may then be needed to confirm a suspected TB diagnosis.


• I can’t vouch for the individual doctors at the one clinic in the Philippines approved by the UK Border Agency ( but they are subject to quality control / audit ). However, as TB may not just affect the lungs, they must be good general doctors aware of all the possible signs and symptoms of active TB. A " pulmonologist " is what we call a " lung physician " or " respiratory medicine physician " in the UK ( there are around 1,800 ) - of course they also need to be good general physicians.



• The " blood test " mentioned is relatively new and expensive. It may well help in the diagnosis of TB ; but be aware that it has so far mainly been used for " latent TB " ( no symptoms ), rather than the " active TB " targeted by pre-entry screening. A positive result may not necessarily mean active TB and a negative result may not necessarily rule out active TB. Be careful what you ask for - but if you do, it’s called " IGRA " ( and measures/Assays Interferon-Gamma Release from cells responding to parts of the TB " bug " ).


• It’s vital that if a diagnosis of TB is made, the full course of antibiotics is taken, usually for at least 6 months. With appropriate treatment, TB should be cured, as we ALL wish for any of our loved ones affected by this illness .