A construction worker is referred for health assessment after 20 years of asbestos exposure. He currently has no symptoms. Which periodic monitoring is MOST important in his surveillance?
- A Quarterly spirometry only
- B Annual chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests ✓
- C CT scan of chest every 6 months
- D Sputum cytology alone
Correct answer: B. Annual chest X-ray and pulmonary function tests
Explanation
Asbestos-exposed workers require annual chest X-ray and PFTs as routine surveillance for asbestosis, pleural plaques, and early mesothelioma/bronchogenic carcinoma, which have latency periods of 20–40 years. High-resolution CT is indicated when plain films show abnormalities. Sputum cytology alone is insufficient. Quarterly spirometry overestimates practicality and misses pleural and parenchymal changes not detectable on spirometry.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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