What Happens at an Asbestos Medical?
A clear walk-through of a typical asbestos medical examination, from the questionnaire to the certificate, so you know exactly what to expect.
The examination, stage by stage
The regulations require a specific examination of the chest. A typical appointment brings together the following elements.
Medical & occupational history
The doctor reviews your general health and your work history, including any previous exposure to asbestos and other respiratory hazards.
Respiratory questionnaire
A short, standard questionnaire about your breathing and any respiratory symptoms. This helps build a picture of your respiratory health over time.
Lung function test
A breathing test, often spirometry, measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly. You will be asked to breathe into a device following simple instructions.
Examination of the chest
A specific clinical examination of the chest, as required by the regulations.
Certificate of medical examination
The doctor issues a certificate confirming the examination took place and its date. A copy goes to you and to your employer.
Is a chest X-ray included?
A chest X-ray is not a routine part of a standard asbestos medical. HSE does not advocate routine X-rays for medical surveillance. Under the regulations, any laboratory test or X-ray is left to the discretion of the examining doctor, who may arrange one only where there is a clinical reason.
This means most people attending a routine asbestos medical will not have an X-ray as part of the appointment.
What the medical is, and is not
A routine asbestos medical is a way of monitoring respiratory health. It is not a definitive diagnostic test for asbestos-related disease, and the certificate is not a guarantee of fitness to work with asbestos.
How long it takes and what to expect
- Focus
- Respiratory health
- Mandated element
- A specific chest examination
- Typical components
- History, questionnaire, lung function test, chest examination
- Outcome
- Certificate of medical examination
- X-ray
- Not routine; only if clinically indicated
What to bring
- Photo identification
- A list of any medication you take
- Your previous asbestos medical certificate, if you have one
Appointment 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.
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.
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.
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.