Effect of single dose X-ray to the nail fold area of human subjects.

Abstract

In order to further understand the nature of changes which occur in the fingers of persons occupationally exposed to radiation a series of experiments were performed on human subjects generally using x-rays at 130 KV potential, 20 ma and at a distance of 10 cm. Doses ranged from 200-600 r. Fourteen subjects were patients being treated by x-rays or radium for other purposes. The other subject was a staff member who occasionally prepared radium plaques containing 130 mgm of radium. Counts were made of the number of vessels in the terminal row of a measured area of the nail fold. In no case was there any detectable change in the nail fold area within 15 minutes of treatment. Observations were continued for up to 56 days and changes observed included hyperemia, pigmentation, erythemia, and some transitory changes in vascular structure of the affected area. A recommendation for continued studies is made.