Reader: Testing for carpal tunnel problems is overkill

To the editor: I was very impressed by the comprehensive work apparently performed by Ronald Bingham, MD, as described in the December issue of Occupational Health Management. In essence, his exhaustive research leads to the recommendation that post-offer carpal tunnel screening should be performed and that this has established validity in predicting future symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome in local workers.

Because of his efforts, I plan to recommend to my local companies that the following post-offer tests be performed on every applicant:

• chest X-ray;

• blood and urine chemistries (or perhaps a complete blood count);

• electrocardiogram (possibly with treadmill testing);

• lumbar spine X-rays.

Such tests would be performed in addition to the drug and alcohol testing programs generally in place. That way we can be assured that there will be little chance of unqualified applicants entering the work force, and we can achieve, once and for all, the perfect worker.

Arnold H. Wexler, MD, MPH, FACOEM

Medical Director

Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Deaconess Medical Center

Spokane, WA