Haematological and biochemical screening of potential Royal Naval aircrew

The objective of this study was to determine which, if any, of a small range of haematological and biological tests would be of value in detecting disease risk factors as an addition to the Initial Flying Medical when screening potential Royal Naval aircrew. A retrospective review of results of haematological and biochemical profiles of 200 candidates screened at the Central Air Medical Board was used. Ninety nine candidates (49.5%) were found to have profiles outside the normal range on initial testing. Many of these were found to be normal on repeat testing or further investigation. One candidate was made permanently unfit to fly and three others had certain conditions put on their training or careers. It is concluded that most of the screening carried out serves only a limited function. It is recommended that screening should be stopped; however, should screening still be considered necessary only four tests are required, ie, fasting blood glucose, fasting total cholesterol and triglycerides, liver function test and full blood count.