Comparison of Hematological Parameters between Diagnostic Radiation Workers and Non-Radiation Workers

Mohammad  Keshtkar; Nastaran  Khaghani; Maliheh  Ziaee; Sajad  Pandesh

doi:10.18502/fbt.v10i1.11517

Mohammad Keshtkar Medical Physics and Radiology Department, Faculty of Paramedicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
Nastaran Khaghani Student of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
Maliheh Ziaee Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
Sajad Pandesh Department of Radiology Technology, School of Allied Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fbt.v10i1.11517

Keywords: Blood Parameters; Low Dose; X-Ray; Radiation Effect.

Abstract

Purpose: Radiation workers are exposed to chronic effects due to long-term exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation. One of the biological indicators to evaluate these chronic radiation effects is the study of the hematopoietic system. The purpose of this study is to compare the changes in blood parameters of radiology staff and staff of other wards of the hospital.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 47 radiology staff working in the radiology department of the hospital as the study group and 94 personnel in other departments as the control group were included. Demographic data including age, gender, and work experience were obtained. Hematological parameters were extracted from the complete blood count tests of participants.

Results: The results of this study showed that the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) parameters significantly decreased in the male study group, whereas no significant differences were observed in the blood parameters of the female study group in comparison to those of the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between the parameters of Hemoglobin and age. There was a significant negative correlation between work experience and white blood cells, while there was a significant positive correlation between work experience and Hemoglobin.

Conclusion: Correlation between collective absorbed dose and changes in blood parameters is suggested for future studies. Based on the results of this study and other studies, it can be concluded that long-term exposure to low levels of radiation may change blood parameters. Therefore, regular and periodic complete blood count tests along with absorbed dose monitoring of radiation workers are recommended.