Preparing for an Asbestos Medical
A little preparation helps your appointment run smoothly and makes the lung function test more accurate. Here is what to bring and what to do beforehand.
What to bring to your appointment
Photo identification
A valid form of photo ID so the examining doctor can confirm who is being examined.
Medication list
A note of any medication you take, which can be relevant to the examination.
Previous certificate
If you have had an asbestos medical before, bring your previous certificate of medical examination.
Work history
Brief details of your recent asbestos work, which helps the occupational history.
Helping the lung function test go well
The lung function (breathing) test is easier and more accurate if you are comfortable and not rushed. General good practice includes:
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoiding a heavy meal immediately before the test
- Arriving in good time so you are not out of breath
- Letting the doctor know of any recent chest infection
Your provider may give you specific instructions when you book, always follow those.
No health details needed to book
You do not need to share any medical history, symptoms or health information to make a booking enquiry. Those matters are for the examination itself, with the doctor.
What should you expect on the day?
An asbestos medical is a focused occupational health appointment covering your history, a respiratory questionnaire, a lung function test and a specific examination of the chest. A chest X-ray is not routine. At the end, the doctor issues a certificate of medical examination confirming the examination took place.
See the full walk-throughPreparation FAQs
A typical examination includes a review of medical and occupational history, a respiratory questionnaire, a lung function (breathing) test and a specific examination of the chest. The regulations require a chest examination; any additional laboratory tests or X-rays are carried out only where the examining doctor considers them necessary.
Appointment times vary between providers and depend on the examination required. As a general guide, an occupational asbestos medical is a focused appointment covering history, a lung function test and a chest examination. Confirm the appointment length when you book.
A chest X-ray is not a routine part of a standard asbestos medical. HSE does not advocate routine X-rays for medical surveillance, and the regulations leave any X-ray or laboratory test to the discretion of the examining doctor, who may arrange one only if there is a clinical reason to do so.
After the examination the doctor issues a certificate of medical examination confirming that the examination took place and the date it was carried out. A copy goes to both the employee and the employer. The certificate records that the medical happened; it is not a guarantee of fitness and does not contain confidential clinical findings.
Need to arrange an asbestos medical?
Tell us the type of work and how many people need examining. We will help you arrange the right medical surveillance and send a clear quotation.
Important: This page is general guidance about occupational asbestos medicals in the UK and is not medical or legal advice. It does not diagnose or treat any condition. Confirm your specific duties with a qualified occupational health professional or by consulting HSE guidance.