Frontal chest X-ray, with additional views according to the protocol, as part of an immigration medical examination
Chest X-Ray for Visa (United States, Canada) in Casablanca
For some visa or residence applications for the United States or Canada, a medical examination is required with a doctor designated by that country's authorities (a panel physician). This doctor usually requests a chest X-ray. This quick, painless X-ray is mainly used to look for signs of tuberculosis, current or past, or other abnormalities of the chest. The radiologist's report is then sent according to the procedure indicated by the panel physician.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
The exam usually takes less than 10 minutes, with an exposure lasting a fraction of a second.
Report turnaround
Report within 24 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
Carestream
Reading aid
The center uses Gleamer, artificial intelligence software that helps the radiologist read X-rays. Interpretation and the report are still done by the radiologist.
When is this exam needed?
- Immigrant visa application for the United States, when the medical examination is required.
- Application for permanent residence in Canada, or a long stay for study or work with a medical examination.
- New X-ray requested by the panel physician, for example if the previous one is no longer valid for the application.
- Follow-up of an image that needs clarification or of a history of tuberculosis.
How the exam is done
At reception, your identity is checked with your passport and the documents provided by the panel physician: the X-ray must match your file with no possible error. In the changing room, you remove clothing and jewelry from the upper body, including an underwire bra.
Standing with your chest against the detector, you place your hands on your hips and push your shoulders forward to move your shoulder blades away from your lungs. The radiographer asks you to take a deep breath, then hold your breath for a few seconds while the image is taken. You feel nothing. The radiographer checks the image right away; a side view may be added if the protocol requires it. You then get dressed.
Preparation
- Bring your valid passport or the valid identity document required for your file.
- Wear a top that is easy to remove and leave necklaces and chains at home.
- Tie back long hair or braids, which can show up over the top of the lungs on the image.
- Bring your previous chest X-rays, especially if you were treated for tuberculosis or an abnormality has already been reported.
Fasting
No fasting is needed: you can eat, drink and take your medication as usual before this X-ray.
Contrast injection
No contrast agent is used. This is a simple X-ray, with no needle and no IV.
Contraindications and precautions
- Current or possible pregnancy: as a precaution, tell us before the X-ray; the panel physician will tell you how to proceed for your file.
- Jewelry, chest piercings or objects in upper-body pockets: remove them, as they would hide part of the lungs.
- History of tuberculosis or recent contact with someone who has it: mention it, as this helps interpret the image.
- Difficulty standing or raising your arms: let the radiographer know, and the position will be adapted.
Documents to bring
- Passport or identity document required for your immigration file
- Form or exam request provided by the panel physician
- Previous chest X-rays and documents from any tuberculosis treatment
- For a minor, identity document of the parent or legal guardian accompanying them
Price and insurance coverage
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Who requests this X-ray?
It is requested by the panel physician in charge of your immigration medical examination for the United States or Canada. The panel physician tells you where to have it done, which documents to bring and within what time frame. A prescription from another doctor does not usually replace this request.
Will I receive the results myself?
Not always. The X-ray and the report are most often sent to the panel physician, or through the channel the panel physician has arranged, because they are part of your immigration medical file. Ask the panel physician how the procedure continues and how to get a copy.
What happens if an abnormality is seen?
The radiologist describes the image in the report, without giving any opinion on your visa. The panel physician decides on the next steps: other X-rays, tests (for example sputum tests to look for tuberculosis) or a specialist's opinion. Your previous exams can help show that an image is old and stable.
Do children need to have this X-ray?
Each country sets an age from which the X-ray is required, with special cases. The panel physician tells you whether it applies to your child. A minor comes with a parent or legal guardian, bringing the required identity documents.
Is the radiation from this X-ray dangerous?
The dose received during a chest X-ray is low, and only the chest is exposed. Only the images needed for your file are taken. The essential precaution concerns pregnancy, which must always be reported before the exam.