[Liver cell function test based on selective laboratory studies]

Laboratory tests have been carried out in 517 workers of a Chemical Fibres Plant. This was aimed at the detection of the changes resulting from cumulative exposure to caprolactam, dowtherm and physical factors. There have been performed hematological investigations, uninalyses and biochemical tests: total protein level, activity of enzymes: ASPAT, ALAT, PA, ChE, thymol test. The results have been analysed as the mean values for particular divisions and workstands; then they have been compared with standards. In order to evaluate the degree of occupational exposure of particular groups of workers, an index of the liver cell damage has been calculated. It was expressed in % of the results exceeding the standards in relation to all results in a given group of workers. The highest values of the index were those in the group employed at the polymerization division. The authoresses promote the advisability of special care for this group of workers.