Most companies, while recruiting employees, conduct x-ray tests as a regular protocol of health assessment of applicants. This is performed regardless of an identical recent x-ray examination of an individual and without checking previous records. A person changing jobs is thus exposed to frequent ionising radiation.
The personnel department also refuses to pass on the data on his health to the individual. Since earlier x-ray films are not available to the next agencyrepeat exposure to x-rays becomes inevitable.
The patient is told that the x-ray test involves ‘a small risk’. Should this justify repeated, routine x-irration of that person? Shouldn’t clinical examination be a guideline to prescribing the test?
Is the medical profession over-using this helpful but hazardous test? This is a question of great relevance to young persons who constantly seek better prospects.
N. G. Wagle Chartered Chemist and Consultant Chemical Technologist. 31 Radheshyam Apartments Juhu Lane, Andheri West Mumbai 400058