[Are chest radiographs justified in pre-employment examinations? Presentation of legal position and medical evidence based on 1760 cases].

BACKGROUND

The legal and medical basis for chest radiographs as part of pre-employment examinations (PEE) at a University Hospital is evaluated. The radiographs are primarily performed to exclude infectious lung disease.

METHODS

A total of 1760 consecutive chest radiographs performed as a routine part of PEEs were reviewed retrospectively. Pathologic findings were categorized as "nonrelevant" or "relevant."

RESULTS

No positive finding with respect to tuberculosis or any other infectious disease was found; 94.8% of the chest radiographs were completely normal. Only five findings were regarded as "relevant" for the individual. No employment-relevant diagnosis occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of chest radiography as part of a PEE is most often not justified. The practice is expensive, can violate national and European law, and lacks medical justification.