A Study of the Hands of Radiologists

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Abstract
A study was made of the hands of radiologists by 2 methods. The 1st consisted of making wax impressions of the finger ridges and examining these for deviations from normal. The incidence of abnormality among radiologists was 48% as compared to 1.8% of a previously reported unexposed group. The incidence of ridge abnormality increased with yrs. of exposure to 100% for those who had practiced more than 35 yrs. The use of lead gloves was not a routine practice in most cases. The incidence of ridge abnormality was 48% among those who professed to use lead gloves. The 2d method consisted of photographing the nail fold area and examining these photographs for abnormality of the terminal vessels, the superficial vascular plexus and the papillary border of the corium. In general, the same abnormalities were found in a group of aged persons without exposure to radiation as in radiologists, but less frequently than in radiologists after many yrs. of exposure.

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