The various PME examinations

A preventive medical examination (PME) may consist of various physical examinations. We list a number of them below. 

Biometry:

Blood pressure, weight, length and waistline with calculation of BMI (body mass index)

Biometry includes the following components:

• BMI (Body Mass Index): height and weight measurement
• blood pressure measurement
• hip and waist measurement

These measurements are performed using calibrated measuring equipment.

Small blood test

In a small blood test, a drop of blood is taken by means of a small prick in the finger. The following values are read from the blood:

• cholesterol
• glucose

If there are any abnormalities, the employee will be informed and they can have it examined further.

Eye test for VDU workers

Near vision inevitably deteriorates with age. This can cause VDU workers to suffer from eye problems such as eye strain. Another risk is worsening of the working posture resulting in neck and shoulder complaints. This is supported by scientific data. The purpose of this eye examination is to check whether VDU workers have the correct glasses or whether they may need them. The measuring is performed at distances of 5 m, 60 cm and 40 cm.

The examination is carried out using the Groeneveld VDU Glasses System, according to a design of the TNO Institute for Sensory Physiology. Which optotypes are visible is indicated at a distance of 60 cm. The value that can be named without error on the last line counts as the vision value. The VDU eye examination is mainly intended for people who work at least two consecutive hours using a visual display unit and/or are 40 years of age or older, wear glasses and/or have complaints with regard to their range of vision.

Pulmonary function test

Regular exposure to smoke, gas and fumes is an additional burden on the lungs. To test to what extent the lungs are still healthy, a pulmonary function test is performed. A pulmonary function test is a breathalyser that measures the lung capacity and strength of the lungs in various ways. This test requires a person to inhale as deeply as possible and then exhale as forcefully as possible through a mouthpiece attached to the pulmonary function device.

In this way, the speed at which someone can exhale is measured. They are also be asked to inhale deeply and exhale as long as possible. This measures the lung capacity. To prevent breathing through the nose, the test subject is given a nose clip.

Depending on the results, health advice is given, for example to stop smoking or to wear proper protection more consistently. If it appears that the lungs are functioning below par, measures can be taken and, if necessary, the employee can be referred to a specialist for further examination and advice.

Hearing test:

Audiogram

Regular exposure to noise can cause permanent hearing damage if proper personal hearing protection equipment is not worn. In order to determine whether there is any hearing loss, an audiometry exam (hearing test) can be performed. First, the ear is examined for (humps of) earwax by looking in the ear with a lamp. During a hearing test / audiometry, someone hears tones at various frequencies. When they hear this tone, they can press a button. The test subject is given headphones in an audio booth, which is placed in a room without too much ambient noise. After about ten minutes, the test is finished and a report is printed from which the doctor can see whether all the tones were registered. If this report shows abnormalities, a referral to an expert is an option.

Chester Step Test

The Chester Step Test is a test that requires submaximal effort. The step test is based on the movement made when climbing stairs. This test comprises five phases, which do not have to be completed by every participant. When the submaximal exertion limit is reached, the end of the test is reached. This means that people who are less used to exercise may complete only two phases, while trained participants complete all five phases. The result of the test can be interpreted responsibly in both cases. The presence of a doctor is not required for the step test. Based on the results of this test, the participant will receive exercise advice on paper. The step test is a safe, cost-conscious way to get a good idea of your employees' condition.

Occasionally it will not be possible for a person to take the test. For example, for people with serious knee and hip injuries.

ECG at rest

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a measurement of electrical heart activity. The person being examined lies on the examination table and has stickers or suction cups placed on the chest that are connected to the ECG machine. This device then measures the electrical current emitted by the heart. If there are any abnormalities, the doctor can read them. For example, if someone has an abnormal heart rhythm, has suffered a myocardial infarction or if the heart is short of oxygen.

Urinalysis

In case of a urinalysis, the test subject hands in urine in a jar. Using a stick, the test assistant can then read various data such as: blood, protein or sugar in the urine. For example, blood or protein in the urine may indicate a urinary tract infection. Sugar in the urine is an indication of diabetes. If any abnormalities are found, this will be communicated and further examination may take place. Furthermore, the urine can also be sent for further analysis for, for example, heavy metals.

Extensive blood test

The V243 blood test is a comprehensive test (a so-called 'large blood count’). We look at the kidney function, liver function and sedimentation (with a view to possible inflammation). We measure BSE, haematocrit, haemoglobin, leucocytes, thrombocytes, leuco-diff, ALAT, ASAT, glucose, Y-GT, cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, chol ratio and creatinine.

Colour vision test

The test subject is tested for colour blindness. Colour vision can also change over time as a result of retinal abnormalities associated with, for example, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and abnormalities of the optic nerve.

More physical examinations possible

There are more physical examinations possible, which ArboNed can also carry out, such as skin-fold measurement, drug test, depth vision test and visual field test. However, these are often not included in the Preventive Medical Examination.