What is an ILO chest x-ray?
ILO chest x-rays are similar to standard x-rays, but they are subject to different reporting requirements. ILO chest x-rays can be used to diagnose and manage a range of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of dust. Pneumoconiosis is a term used to refer to these diseases, which include asbestosis, silicosis, and coal miner’s lung.
Changes on a chest x-ray may indicate exposure to and possible disease caused by fine particles such as asbestos or silica.
For this x-ray you will stand with your chest against the x-ray detector. Depending on your referral's requirements, a side-on x-ray may also be required.
We will ask you to stay as still as possible during the x-ray. You will be asked to hold your breath while the x-ray is taken, as this improves the image quality and allows the smaller airways of your lungs to be seen clearly. Any movement can cause blurring and may require the x-ray to be repeated.
A chest x-ray usually only takes a few minutes. After the images are taken, you may need to wait while a radiologist reviews them, as further images may be required.
A chest x-ray does not require special preparation.
Please wear loose clothing to your appointment, preferably with no metal. In some cases we may ask you to wear a gown, as some materials and embellishments can show up on an x-ray. You may also be asked to remove objects like watches or jewellery for your scan, so consider leaving valuables at home.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment with your Medicare card and/or concession card, your referral, and any relevant previous scans. If you have a child aged 6 or under, they must be supervised by an adult other than the patient.
The amount of radiation used for x-rays is typically very small. Health experts feel the risk to your health from this is very small and the benefits of the diagnostic information obtained usually outweigh any potential risks. No radiation remains in your body after the x-ray.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please let your doctor and our staff know, as x-rays can potentially harm an unborn baby.
Basic x-rays do not require specific after care. After your x-ray, you may continue with your normal daily activities, unless advised otherwise by your referring practitioner.
North Coast Radiology does not bulk bill ILO chest x-rays. Please contact your employer if you have any questions regarding the cost of your ILO chest x-ray.
We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan or bringing another adult with you to care for your child.
Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.
Our staff need to maintain full focus during your examination to ensure the best possible care.
Our Ballina, Grafton and Lismore clinics are accredited providers of ILO chest x-ray screening.
The ‘ILO’ in ILO chest x-ray stands for The International Labour Organisation, an agency appointed by the United Nations to oversee global labour standards and rights. The ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses is a powerful tool used worldwide to improve workers’ health surveillance.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) facilitates and standardises regulations for chest images to ensure they meet ILO classification. Qualified NIOSH B readers have completed a complex exam that ensures they have the skills and ability to provide accurate and precise ILO classifications.
