CT (Computerised Tomography) scans are going to be subject to tougher regulation to ensure the benefit of their use is greater than the risk of being exposed to radiation - each scan can be up to 400 times more powerful than a traditional chest x-ray. If you are an employer offering these types of MOT scans to your employees, even on a voluntary basis and getting them to pay, you might want to think again.
The government has accepted the recommendations of the Committee on Clinical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) which include the cessation of scanning for spinal conditions, osteoporosis and body fat. It has also recommended that screening for colorectal cancer outside of the NHS screening programmes should only be undertaken in over-50s.
However well intentioned these scans are, there is evidence to suggest that they provide results that can prompt incorrect diagnoses and unnecessary treatment, let alone the substantial risks associated with excessive exposure to radiation.
Employers are likely to be on the liability hook for these types of problems if they make any arrangements for such scans for their employees. Whilst it would be wrong to dismiss screening if it was based on clinical evidence and showed a demonstrable benefit to both employer and employee, it might be better to invest elsewhere if it didn’t.