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Study Syllabus for Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses
Introduction
The International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses: A Comprehensive Self-study Syllabus
The intent of the self-study syllabus is to familiarize you with the International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses (Guidelines for the use of the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses (revised edition 2011), and the ILO Standard Digital Images [ILO 2011-D] in DICOM Format), to acquaint you with conventions observed in recording the interpretation of such radiographs, and most particularly, to instruct you, by example and practice, in the meaning and application of descriptive terms employed in the ILO classification.
To accomplish these objectives, the syllabus and the illustrative radiographs are divided into five subsets:
Subset 1 discusses the CDC/NIOSH (M) 2.8 Rev. 12/2013* Classification Form, line by line, section by section, explaining its use and illustrating the descriptive terms employed.
Subset 2 focuses on the competent use of the classification form for the ranges of rounded and irregular small opacities at the various levels of profusion.
Subset 3 provides you with an opportunity to classify several radiographs using the ILO system.
Subset 4 provides a narrative analysis of small rounded and small irregular opacities at the low profusion levels; the most challenging visual discriminations.
Subset 5 includes 37 additional radiographs, blank classification forms and validated classifications (answer keys) by expert B Readers for assessing your practical application of the ILO classification guidelines and principles presented in the syllabus.
Answer Keys for the classification of radiographs that comprise Subsets 2 through 4 can be found at the end of each Subset.
Important Note: The ILO Classification system is subjective. There is an element of subjectivity, and minor differences among readers are to be expected. However, if your classification differs markedly from the validated classification provided, you are urged to restudy the portions of the syllabus that deal with the area of disagreement.
Upon successful completion of this self-instructional resource, you should be able to competently and confidently classify radiographs of pneumoconioses in digital format, according to the ILO 2011-D Classification system and should be prepared to take the B Reader proficiency examination offered by NIOSH.
The NIOSH B Reader certification and recertification examinations are offered in Morgantown, West Virginia, on a regular schedule. The necessary procedures and specific requirements for scheduling a NIOSH examination can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) NIOSH website. Additional information can also be obtained by telephone at: (304) 285-5724.
* You may encounter minor differences between classification forms due to periodic revisions; however, the most significant components of the forms, and most importantly, the principles of classification, remain unchanged.