Screening recommendations for the elderly.

BACKGROUND. Studies have documented the potential contributions of preventive health care programs. Yet little is known about which screening tests should be included in public health programs for older persons. This study offers recommendations regarding these tests. METHODS. The recommendations come from synthesizing the findings of the US Preventive Services Task Force, the literature, and the consensus of experts in geriatrics, gerontology, and health policy research. The literature was evaluated to identify methodologically sound studies of the prevalence of selected disorders and benefits and availability of screening procedures for those disorders. Experts from various fields specializing in the care of the elderly formed panels to assist in evaluating the literature and providing further information from gerontological and public health perspectives. RESULTS. We recommend vision testing for refractive error; inspection of the skin surface for fungal infection and skin cancer, drug eruptions, and xerosis; a history for symptoms of xerosis; audiometric testing for presbycusis; surveys for hearing loss; otoscopic inspection for cerumen impaction; dental examination for caries; measurement of blood pressure for hypertension; and breast examination and mammography for cancer. CONCLUSIONS. Our study suggests that these screening procedures are useful for public health screening programs. More information is needed on the effects of screening services on the health and functioning of older persons.     

Hygienic regulation of harmful chemicals absorbed by skin]

Data of toxicants uptake through the skin are generalized. Equivations for the acceptable levels of skin pollutants to calculate are worked up. The classification of the danger of chemicals for skin uptake is given.     

A photometric method of analysis of cyanides]

The contributors propose a selective photometric technique for detection of sodium and potassium cyanides in different washings, sewage, overalls extraction. The technique was based on the formation of a polymetyne dye, and barbituric acid and pyridine reactions. It proved efficient in detecting the cyanides within 0.01-0.054 mg/dm3, 1-100 mg/l, 0.08-1.24 mg/dm3 with deviations not exceeding 23%. Duration of the test was limited to 25-30 min.