Module 3: Health and Safety - IAFF

Student Text IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician©
Laboratory and Other Medical Tests
In addition to the physical examination, various medical tests will be completed as described
below:
21. Audiometry
The hearing test (in a testing booth) will check for any abnormal hearing losses, such as high-end
frequency loss from nerve damage to the ear. In the testing booth, the hearing for each ear is
measured from 125 to 8,000 Hz by air conduction (using earphones). Hearing loss is measured
in decibels. Test results are run through some formulas and plotted on a graph. The results are
explained by the doctor.
22. Urinalysis
A urinalysis is a common test that gives evidence of kidney and other internal abnormalities.
Urinalysis is usually routine and done with all periodic health examinations. The first part is the
specific gravity, which is the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine allowing the kidneys to
hold water inside the body. The other part of the test is the microscopic examination of the urine,
checking for white blood cells, which would be indicative of an infection in the urinary tract
system, the bladder, or the kidneys. Under microscope, the urine is evaluated for crystals that
would be indicative of gout or other abnormalities. The urinalysis can also show tumors or
kidney stones.
23. Electrocardiogram
The electrocardiogram checks the electrical activity of the heart. Numerous leads are placed on
your body to measure the electrical activity from different planes. This test can show evidence
or suspicion of abnormalities in the coronary arteries, and hardening or thickening of the heart
muscle. In the treadmill stress test, a continuous electrocardiogram is taken. The treadmill stress
test may show abnormalities of the heart that a resting EKG might not show. In fact, the treadmill
stress test is normally done when the resting EKG test appears normal but you have been
experiencing pain. With the EKG leads in place, you walk on a treadmill at a set speed and
incline. Normally no EKG change is observed other than a heart rate increase. But if the extra
physical activity cuts down the amount of oxygen reaching the heart muscle, it may show up on
the EKG. If this occurs, the treadmill stress is stopped immediately and your heart will be
evaluated for clogged arteries, etc. through additional specialized tests. These additional specialized
tests are not part of your routine medical exam at the Health Center but rather referred to
your primary care physician.
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