CDC - NIOSH Docket: 215 - NIOSH Guideline: Application of Digital Radiography for the Detection and Classification of Pneumoconiosis

NIOSH Guideline: Application of Digital Radiography for the Detection and Classification of Pneumoconiosis

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 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 ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconiosis, toward these objectives. Imaging of interstitial lung diseases such as the pneumoconiosis 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 alternative approaches.

NIOSH is Seeking Comment from Stakeholders on the following:

* NIOSH Guideline: Application of Digital Radiography for the Detection and Classification of Pneumoconiosis Adobe PDF file [http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docket/review/docket215/pdfs/NIOSHDigitalGuidelines1210a.pdf]

Public Comment Period

Interested persons or organizations are invited to participate in this process by submitting written views, recommendations, and data. Written comments on the document will be accepted through March 4, 2011 in accordance with the instructions below. All material submitted to NIOSH should reference Docket Number NIOSH-215. All electronic comments should be formatted as Microsoft Word and make reference to docket number NIOSH-215.

Comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 4, 2011
CDC - NIOSH Docket: 215 - NIOSH Guideline: Application of Digital Radiography for the Detection and Classification of Pneumoconiosis


Contact person for information

Michael Attfield
mda1@cdc.gov
Surveillance Branch, NIOSH, MS900.2
1095 Willowdale Road
Morgantown, WV, 26505
304-285-5737