special subjects
Overview of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Testing
OEM physicians may order Medical diagnostic testing Exposure testing (of patients and/or the environment) is often needed to assess the effects of injuries and exposures (eg, x-rays of bones and joints, chest x-rays and oximetry for acute inhalation). Post-injury medical testing (eg, Overview of Tests of Pulmonary Function ) may be done to determine whether organ damage has occurred secondary to a workplace exposure or incident. Exposure testing(eg, of patients and/or the environment) may be needed to determine the extent of occupational exposure to a substance on a regular basis (medical surveillance) and/or after a workplace incident (eg, unintended release of a substance). Depending on the substance involved, samples may need to be sent to a reference laboratory. In some cases, OEM physicians request that an industrial hygienist complete workplace testing, such as air sampling or surface sample testing. Governmental agencies may become involved after certain workplace incidents. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) does aHealth Hazard Evaluationwhen requested by a worker, a union official, or an employer. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may inspect the workplace after complaints by a worker, after referral from another governmental agency, or on a targeted basis after reports of injuries or illnesses (seeOSHA Fact Sheet: Inspections). OEM physicians working with governmental agencies may order diagnostic testing to determine the extent of environmental exposure to a substance in a community or population. Such testing may be prompted by environmental release of a substance or documented environmental contamination by a substance. 