Medical Screening

Since September 1998, our free-of-charge medical screening has taken place each March, June, September, and December, at the University of Nevada Family Practice Clinic in Las Vegas, NV.  During each three-day screening period, we screen approximately 180 former workers. As of March 2001, we have screened approximately 1800 former workers. 

A former worker who has been located is sent a letter notifying them of the risk of adverse health effects due to workplace exposures at the NTS. The workplace exposures of greatest concern for former NTS workers are radiation, silica dust, asbestos, diesel exhaust, excessive noise, and beryllium dust. 

The former worker is asked to return a postage-paid card to our project, indicating whether or not they are interested in participating in the medical screening. If they indicate they are interested, an appointment date is set, and the individual is asked to complete a detailed medical and work history questionnaire prior to the screening. Assistance is available for completing the questionnaire. 

On the day of the appointment, a project staff member provides details about the tests that are offered, answers questions about the project, and reviews the questionnaire. If consent is given by the participant, a blood sample is taken, followed by a breathing test (spirometry), hearing test (audiometry), a chest x-ray and a general physical with one of our physicians. 

The results are sent to the former worker six to eight weeks after the screening. All results are kept confidential. A toll-free number staffed by our project's clinicians is provided for those who have questions about their results, worker's compensation, referrals, or related issues. 

If you are a former worker interested in participating in the medical screening, please contact Sandie Medina toll-free at 1-888-636-8161. If you live in the Las Vegas area, please contact her at (702) 636-8777.