Accession Medical Standards Analysis and Research Activity (AMSARA): 2003 Annual Report
Abstract
The Accession Medical Standards Analysis and Research Activity (AMSARA) completed the three-year cyclic review of the DODI 6130.4 in support of the Accession Medical Standards Working Group during 2003. Two significant changes in DODI 6130.4 (to be published in 2004) are a direct result of AMSARA's research and analysis over the past seven years. Evidence gathered through multiple IRB-approved protocols supports initial qualification of an applicant revealing a history of asthma that has been asymptomatic since age 13. Likewise, evidence gathered through epidemiologic analyses supports initial qualification of an applicant revealing a history of ADHD) who has been able to graduate high school or keep a job while off medication for at least a year. It is anticipated that these changes will allow 2,000 to 3,000 additional applicants per year to be initially qualified for military service, greatly reducing the workload and expense of processing applicants. An AMSARA study of discharges due to asthma at Fort Jackson and Fort Knox confirmed that most asthmatics know of their condition and conceal it at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) examination. Given the scope of the asthma concealment at the MEPS, over the past three years AMSARA has been seeking a simple and inexpensive screening test for asthma. This year, a field test of NIOX (a device to measure exhaled nitric oxide as an indicator of asthma) was completed. This study (funded by the US Army Accessions Command) identified that current screening at MEPS misses 85% of applicants with any history of asthma. The study observation that >8% of applicants have markedly high nitric oxide levels requires further research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA427738
Entities
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research