NIOSH guideline: application of digital radiography for the detection and classification of pneumoconiosis.
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-198, 2011 Aug; :1-10
Abstract
Monitoring the health of individuals involved in dusty work is intended to provide assurance to the worker that ongoing exposure controls are adequate. Recognition of minor health abnormalities serves as an early warning to both workers and managers when there is need for more effective control measures to prevent work-related impairment and disability. Since 1970, NIOSH and other organizations have successfully applied traditional film screen chest radiography, interpreted using the International Labour Office (ILO) International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses, toward these objectives1. Imaging of interstitial lung diseases such as the pneumoconioses represents one of the most difficult challenges in diagnostic radiology, and comprehensive attention to technological, methodological, and human factors is required to assure that the image quality and interpretation are satisfactory for achieving early disease detection. This NIOSH Guideline is based upon accepted contemporary professional recommendations, and provides technical and operational guidance for radiographic facilities and physician readers who obtain digital chest radiographs for the evaluation of pneumoconiosis. The intent is to assure that the recognition of pneumoconiosis using digitally-acquired chest radiographs is at least as safe and effective as traditional film screen radiography. The Guideline should not be considered a mandate for medical practice; however participating practitioners and facilities who deviate from the specifications should have a sound medical rationale for using alternative approaches.
Keywords
Radiodiagnosis; Radiographic-analysis; Radiography; Chest-X-rays; Respiratory-system-disorders; Pulmonary-system-disorders; Diagnostic-techniques; Diagnostic-tests; Pneumoconiosis; Surveillance
Document Type
Numbered Publication
NTIS Accession No.
PB2011-113476
Identifying No.
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-198
Priority Area
Construction; Mining
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
