so April 20, 1954 Thomas L. Shipman, M. D., Health Division Leader, LASL BLOOD COUBTS FOLLOWING TEST OPERATIONS 4O4SOo Until we get into the field of massive doses of radiation (25 r to 50 r at least), blood counts are of absolutely no value in determining the presence or absence of exposure to radiation. The principal value of eau Given H. Dugger, Safety & Fire Protection Branch, routine blood counts is to detect as early as possible the existence of some form of blood disease which might possibly be attributed to radiation. This is the reason why we like to have blood counts done on test personnel before a test starts. There is little or no actual value in repeating such counts again at the completion of a test miless ons at the start showed some abnormality. I+ would be my recommendation, therefore, that EG&G, as well as other concerns in a similar position, should require all their employees to have annual physical examinations carried out by a competent physician. These exans should include a complete blood sount and a chest I ray. Actually, for a firm like EG&G this is no more than good business practice; most of their workers are valuable to then the year represent investments which are worth protecting. If any of their workers ere terminating their employment at the close undergo a physical exam including blood count and Z ray at the time. In 3 ; t addition, I em perfectly certain tha ae ministrative requirements of all test organisations ani that special pretest exams Would mot be necessary. Wherever possible, it is advisable to have periodic examinations of this type performed by the same physician. Some people in the EG&G organisation aight like to have theirs done in Boston, some in Las Vegas, and possibly some in Albuquerque er Honolulu. I would be very happy, if requested, to assist EG6G in setting up a comprehensive physical examination program to cover all ef their employees; I am sure that such a procedure would be a thoroughly justifiable expense. oA wt ; - aceosromv/AC. LOS ABforos het L Ab, COLLECTION BOX No. CL — 7 ——L£2B fof rouen Cll Genera VRIGURAL SIGNED BY TidalL, SutaaAN, ALD. THOMAS L, SHIPMAN, M. D. Health Division Leader BEST COPY AVAILABLE