Examination for work in ionizing radiation zone
Mandatory medical examination for workers exposed to ionizing radiation.
Examination Details
Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation that can break chemical bonds in matter. This can lead to damage to cells and tissues, which can have harmful health consequences.
Persons working in ionizing radiation zones are exposed to a greater amount of this radiation than the rest of the population. Therefore, it is necessary that before starting work and during work, they periodically undergo medical examinations to determine their health status and assess the possibility of being exposed to harmful radiation effects.
WHAT IS AN EXAMINATION FOR WORK IN IONIZING RADIATION ZONE?
An examination for work in ionizing radiation zone is a set of medical examinations conducted to determine the health capability of persons for work in this area. The examination consists of the following parts:
- Neuro-psychiatric examination: This examination is conducted to determine whether persons have mental illnesses or disorders that could affect their ability to safely work in ionizing radiation zone. - Gynecological examination and breast examination for women: These examinations are conducted to determine whether women have health problems that could be worsened by exposure to ionizing radiation. - Analysis of structural chromosomal aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes: This examination is conducted to determine whether persons have chromosome damage, which may be a consequence of exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Anamnesis: The doctor collects data on the person's health status, including data on previous diseases, allergies, medications they are taking, and other factors that may affect health capability for work in ionizing radiation zone.
- Physical examination: The doctor performs a physical examination of the person, including examination of the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and other organs and systems.
- Laboratory examinations: Depending on the person's health status, the doctor may order certain laboratory examinations, such as blood count, biochemical tests, tests for various diseases, etc.
- Specific examinations: The doctor may order certain specific examinations, such as:
WHY IS AN EXAMINATION FOR WORK IN IONIZING RADIATION ZONE NECESSARY?
An examination for work in ionizing radiation zone is necessary to protect the health of persons working in this area. The examination determines whether persons have health problems that could be worsened by exposure to ionizing radiation. Also, the examination determines whether persons can safely work in this area, i.e., whether they are able to comply with protection measures against ionizing radiation.
WHO IS THE EXAMINATION INTENDED FOR?
An examination for work in ionizing radiation zone is mandatory for all persons who will work in this area. This includes employees in the following industries:
- Nuclear energy
- Medicine
- Industry
- Research and development
The examination can be conducted in medical institutions that have permission to conduct medical examinations for work in ionizing radiation zone.
HOW OFTEN IS THE EXAMINATION CONDUCTED?
The examination is conducted in two stages:
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION
This examination is conducted before starting work in ionizing radiation zone.
PRELIMINARY MEDICAL EXAMINATION CATEGORIES A AND B:
General examinations:
- Basic laboratory analyses – CBC, ESR, glucose, urine, reticulocytes
- ECG, blood pressure measurement, height, weight, Body Mass Index
- Audiometry
- Spirometry
- Vision function testing – orthopter or specialist ophthalmologist examination
- Occupational medicine specialist examination
- Chest X-ray – as indicated by the doctor
Specific examinations:
- Neuro-psychiatrist specialist examination
- Psychological examination
- Gynecologist specialist examination
- Breast ultrasound
- Chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus frequency
- If working with J131 isotopes, dermatologist examination (moles) and thyroid ultrasound are required
PERIODIC EXAMINATION
This examination is conducted periodically, depending on the type of work being performed. Usually, periodic examination is conducted once a year.
PERIODIC EXAMINATION CATEGORY A (work in controlled zone and can receive 6 mSv annually):
General examinations:
- Basic laboratory analyses – CBC, ESR, glucose, urine, reticulocytes
- ECG, blood pressure measurement, height, weight, Body Mass Index
- Audiometry
- Spirometry
- Vision function testing – orthopter or specialist ophthalmologist examination
- Psychological examination
- Occupational medicine specialist examination
- Chest X-ray – as indicated by the doctor
Specific examinations:
- Neuro-psychiatrist specialist examination every 6 years
- Psychological examination
- Gynecologist specialist examination
- Breast ultrasound
- Micronucleus frequency every year
- If working with J131 isotopes, dermatologist examination (moles) and thyroid ultrasound are required
PERIODIC EXAMINATION CATEGORY B
General examinations:
- Basic laboratory analyses – CBC, ESR, glucose, urine, reticulocytes
- ECG, blood pressure measurement, height, weight, Body Mass Index
- Audiometry
- Spirometry
- Vision function testing – orthopter or specialist ophthalmologist examination
- Psychological examination
- Occupational medicine specialist examination
- Chest X-ray – as indicated by the doctor
Specific examinations:
- Neuro-psychiatrist specialist examination every 6 years
- Micronucleus frequency every 3 years
- If working with J131 isotopes, dermatologist examination (moles) and thyroid ultrasound are required