CT scans should be the primary imaging modality for patients with suspected silicosis, under new guidelines from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

Chest X-rays have historically been used to detect silicosis, but the college recommends CT scans to screen exposed workers as it characterises the disease more accurately.

“CT is strongly recommended for screening all workers at risk of occupational lung disease from engineered stone exposure,” the college says in its position statement, Imaging of Occupational Lung Disease.

“Any concerns about the relatively higher radiation dose received from CT must be balanced against the benefits of a more sensitive test that reliably detects disease in exposed workers.”