TB Testing During Pregnancy: Safety Overview

Pregnancy does not exempt immigration applicants from TB screening requirements. The IGRA blood test (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus) is considered safe during pregnancy. It is a standard blood draw that poses no known risk to the mother or fetus.

If a chest X-ray is required — for example, because your IGRA result is positive — it can be performed safely during pregnancy with appropriate precautions. Please inform our civil surgeon of your pregnancy at the beginning of your appointment so we can take all necessary steps to protect you and your baby.

IGRA Blood Test Safety in Pregnancy

The IGRA blood test involves a simple blood draw. The test itself does not use radiation, chemicals, or any agents that could harm a developing fetus. It is the same type of blood draw used for routine prenatal laboratory testing.

There are no known risks to the mother or fetus from the IGRA blood test. Pregnant applicants can undergo the IGRA test at any stage of pregnancy without concern.

Chest X-Ray During Pregnancy

If your IGRA result is positive and a chest X-ray is clinically indicated, the X-ray can be performed during pregnancy with appropriate abdominal shielding. A lead apron is placed over the abdomen to minimize radiation exposure to the fetus.

The radiation dose from a single chest X-ray is very low — approximately 0.01 to 0.1 mSv — which is well below the threshold associated with fetal harm. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the CDC both recognize that chest X-rays can be performed safely during pregnancy when clinically necessary.

Can the Immigration Medical Exam Be Deferred Until After Delivery?

In some cases, it may be possible to defer the immigration medical exam until after delivery, particularly if the exam is not urgently needed for your immigration timeline. However, this decision depends on your specific immigration circumstances and USCIS deadlines.

If you are pregnant and have concerns about timing your immigration medical exam, please discuss your situation with our staff when scheduling your appointment. We can help you understand your options and plan accordingly.

Latent TB Treatment During Pregnancy

If your TB screening reveals latent TB infection, treatment is generally deferred until after delivery and the postpartum period. This is because the medications used to treat latent TB (such as isoniazid) carry some risk during pregnancy, and the benefit of treating latent TB during pregnancy typically does not outweigh the risk. Your obstetrician and a TB specialist can advise you on the appropriate timing for latent TB treatment.

• Latent TB treatment is generally deferred until after delivery
• Active TB disease requires treatment regardless of pregnancy status
• Your obstetrician should be informed of any TB findings
• Coordinate care between our civil surgeon, your obstetrician, and a TB specialist if needed