-l6- The erythrocytic levels, hemoglobin and hematocrits were only very slightly lower in the exposed as compared with the unexposed Rongelap population, The Utirik people who had been exposed to only an estimated dose of 14 roentgens of whole body gamna radiation had leukocyte,. neutrophil and lymphocyte counts about the same as in the control population of Rongelap, However, it was of interest that the platelet counts for all age groups averaged considerably higher in the Utirik people, The explanation for this is not apparent, The erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were about the same as in the unexposed Rongelap group. Very little difference was noted this year between levels of peripheral blood elements in children of exposed and unexposed parents, Serum protein values were about the same in the exposed Rongelap and Utirik people as in the unexposed comparison population, The protein values,as have been previously noted,ware on the high side of normal, Chromosome studies - There has been considerable interest as to whether or not chromosomal aberrations may have been induced by radiation exposure in the Marshallese and if so, whether or not they still may persist, Therefore a considerable number of peripheral blood cultures were attempted as well as some 40 skin cultures from biopsies taken from areas showing residual beta burns, Unfortunately, the laboratory setup on Rongelap was not conducive to successful cultures of the skin, and in spite of great caution, contamination occurred and all skin cultures were lost, About 30 successful blood cultures on the Rongelapese were obtained (control and exposed), and about 12 successful preparations were obtained in the Utirik people. Chromosome smears from these cultures are in the -rocess of being analyzed and will be reported on later, Other laboratory examinations - Among other laboratory examinations, proteinbound iodine determinations were repeated in blood from about 10 Marshallese and 10 of the medical team (Americans), 90G 4278 The rasults definitely showed the Marshallese