Occupational chest X-rays for respiratory surveillance.
Mobile chest X-ray services allow employers to include respiratory imaging in workplace medical and surveillance programmes where employees are exposed to occupational dust or airborne hazards. Where medically or occupationally indicated, a chest X-ray can provide information about the lungs that cannot be obtained through a physical examination alone.
IHSS provides occupational chest X-rays as part of selected employee medical and surveillance programmes, with mobile imaging available at the workplace when this suits the workforce and screening requirements.
Understanding the role of a chest X-ray.
A chest X-ray creates an image of the chest and lungs. Within an occupational health programme, it may support surveillance for employees exposed to hazards associated with occupational lung disease.
Our service includes chest X-rays read by qualified radiologists. The findings can be considered alongside:
- Occupational and exposure history
- Respiratory symptoms
- Physical examination findings
- Spirometry results
- Previous chest X-rays
- Other medical surveillance information
Spirometry and chest X-rays provide separate types of information. Spirometry measures lung function, while an X-ray provides an image of the lungs and surrounding structures. The occupational health practitioner may use the findings from both when assessing an employee’s respiratory health.
Occupational Chest X-Rays.
IHSS mobile units include X-ray systems, with our mobile chest X-ray services allowing imaging to be completed at workplaces where on-site delivery is suitable. This can reduce employee travel and help employers coordinate respiratory surveillance for large groups or workforces based far from occupational health facilities.
Clinic-based occupational chest X-rays are also available.