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Information for practitioners

Patients who have worked in an occupation with exposure to silica, coal dust and other hazardous dusts, may require evaluation for occupational lung diseases such as silicosis or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP). The patient may have a cough, phlegm, or breathing difficulty, or may be asymptomatic.

Information for practitioners

Patients who have worked in an occupation with exposure to silica, coal dust and other hazardous dusts, may require evaluation for occupational lung diseases such as silicosis or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP). The patient may have a cough, phlegm, or breathing difficulty, or may be asymptomatic.
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What is an ILO x-ray?

A chest x-ray performed and reported to ILO standards by a NIOSH* accredited B Reader is crucial for accurate diagnosis of lung diseases. ‘ILO’ refers to the accepted International Labour Organisation’s standardised approach for classifying pneumoconiosis and monitoring disease progression. It is a complex and extensively validated system of radiology reporting and recording of nodules, pleural and mediastinal disease from a PA “ILO-standard” chest x-ray.

Only a small number of radiologists in Australia are accredited  B Reader accredited to report to ILO standards. Click here to find out more about our accredited radiologists.

At I-MED we use B Readers to report all dust disease-related examinations, which makes us unique from most other radiology practices. Further assessment may be required via a specific high resolution CT chest (HRCT) protocol, again reported to NIOSH B-reader standards. 

I-MED reports using the ILO (2000) International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconiosis – an internationally standardised approach to defining and monitoring dust disease.

* NIOSH certified B Reader = Physician certified by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), USA

Referring for an ILO chest x-ray

Click to view and download the ILO chest x-ray referral. 

Do you have an 'at risk' patient?

If a patient has been exposed to silica dust, the RACP advises medical professionals to:

  • Ask about respiratory symptoms, bearing in mind that in the early stages of the condition the patient may be asymptomatic.
  • Assess the patient using chest x-ray (with ILO classification) and full lung function testing including diffusion capacity DLCO. Spirometry performed in a non-laboratory setting is associated with a significant false negative rate and may falsely reassure you and your patient.
  • A high resolution CT chest (non-contrast) should also be strongly considered if the patient has worked in hazardous dust industries for over 3 years.
  • If there are any concerns refer to an occupational physician or respiratory physician for further assessment.

Source: The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

Clinical notes

IMPORTANT: Please request ‘ILO chest x-ray’ and include exposure history in your referral to our radiologists, including dust types if known.

Why refer your occupational dust disease patients to I-MED Radiology?

  • Easy patient access through our vast network of clinics
  • All dust disease referrals are performed and reported to ILO standards across our network 
  • Trusted expert opinion with fast turn-around time. Images are read and reported by I-MED’s own certified NIOSH B-readers within 24-48 hours. 
  • Follow up high resolution chest CT (HRCT) scanning is also available (if required) and read to our same high standards
  • Easy comparison with previous imaging. Referring doctors can view images and reports electronically via I-MED’s secure online referrer portal.  This provides referrers with a long-term record of their patient’s respiratory health.