TB Class Arrivals
All immigrants and refugees (PDF:43KB/10 pages) are required to have a medical examination, including TB screening, before entering the United States. Panel physicians designated by the U.S. Department of State provide these examinations in the person's country of origin using standardized protocols.
Those with TB-related findings that do not prohibit them from entering the United States but need medical follow-up after arrival in the U.S. are given a TB class designation by the overseas panel physician. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notifies the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) of TB Class arrivals coming to Minnesota. MDH then notifies the local public health department in the county where each individual will be living.
MDH and local health departments collaborate to ensure that TB Class arrivals receive follow-up medical evaluations in a timely manner.
- Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment Technical Instructions (TB TIs) Using Cultures and Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) for Panel Physicians
TB examination instructions used by overseas panel physicians for evaluating immigrants and refugees before they arrive in the United States. This document includes TB Class definitions and follow-up recommendations. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Recommended Medical Follow-up for TB Class B Arrivals (PDF:35KB/1 page)
MDH form designed to provide clinicians with a description of the TB Class B arrival notifications for refugees and immigrants, and general clinical recommendations for domestic TB screening appropriate for each class.
Note: TB Class A notifications are uncommon and indicate an arrival with active TB disease, on treatment and non-contagious for travel purposes. These arrivals require immediate follow-up and are considered a TB suspect or case. MDH is notified of these arrivals and work with local public health agencies to ensure uninterrupted treatment and other necessary medical follow-up.
- TB Class Follow-up Worksheet (PDF:19KB/2 pages)
CDC document used to report the results of domestic TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment provided for TB Class arrivals. The form is completed by the examining clinician and returned to MDH. MDH uses this information to report follow-up findings to CDC, for inclusion in a national TB Class surveillance system.
- Instructions for Completion of TB Class Follow-up Worksheet (PDF:33KB/1 page)
MDH form that provides guidance to clinicians who provide domestic examinations and who document the findings on the TB Class Follow-up Worksheet.
Related Links
- MDH - Refugee Health Program
- Provider Guide for Refugee Health Screening (PDF:343KB/13 pages)
Includes recommended protocols for domestic TB evaluation. - Minnesota Initial Refugee Health Assessment Form (PDF:183KB/4 pages)
Includes instructions for completing the form. - Minnesota Civil Surgeons
List of civil surgeons in Minnesota.
- Provider Guide for Refugee Health Screening (PDF:343KB/13 pages)
- Medical Examinations of Aliens (Refugees and Immigrants)
Information from CDC's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine about the required overseas and domestic health examinations for immigrants and refugees. This document also provides links to the Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians (overseas) and Civil Surgeons (domestic). Attention: Non- MDH link
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (CDC/DGMQ)
This site provides information, forms, laws, and regulations regarding immigrant, refugee, and migrant health issues.
