A Few Different Types Of Physical Examination Screenings
If you have just been offered a new job, then there are a few things that you may have to do, before you actually start working. One thing that employers like to ask for is a comprehensive physical examination. Physician offices will offer a wide variety of physical examination services, in most cases, so keep reading to learn about a few of them.
Tuberculosis Screenings
If you are working in a medical field or if your business does work in a hospital setting, then you will most likely need to go through a tuberculosis screening. The test will look for both latent and active infections, in most cases, and it will gauge whether or not you have been exposed to active TB. To start the screening, you will typically be asked to go through tuberculin skin testing. This is where a small protein is injected into your skin. It is called a purified protein derivative that will cause an immune system reaction if you have been exposed to TB.
The screening test does require your physician to look at your skin to investigate for a reaction. If there is one, then you may need further screenings, like the completion of an x-ray to see if your infection is active or not. If it is not, then the physician can determine that you were exposed to TB, but did not develop the illness. You will then pass the screening test and will be able to work with individuals who may have immunity issues.
Physical Or Fitness Testing
Many jobs require employees to lift objects or to move things or people that are a specific weight. This means that your doctor will need to clear you to be able to move the weight. Clearance is achieved through a fitness test. Your doctor may ask you to lift different weights sequentially, to see what your physical limitations are.
In addition to the weights, you may be asked to use a treadmill or an exercise bike for a period of time so that your stamina and endurance can be gauged. Typically, pulmonary and cardiovascular testing is completed at the same time, to make sure that your respiratory and heart rates are maintained within a normal range as you exert your body.
In some cases, flexibility and balance may be a part of the screening, but these things are not a typical part of the fitness screening.