Analysis of chromosomal aberrations frequency, haematological parameters and received doses by nuclear medicine professionals.

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to analyse the impact of low-dose ionizing radiation to nuclear medicine professionals of the Nuclear Medicine Centre of Serbia (NMCRS).

Methods: Data from the previous/initial and the last medical check-ups, obtained from the medical records of 65 employees from NMCRS, were analysed. A typical checkup, haematological parameters analysis, as well as special cytogenetical analyses, such as unstable chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus test, were carried out. For analyses of chromosomal aberrations the modified Moorhead's micro method was applied to the culture of peripheral blood lymphocytes and conventional cytogenetic technique of chromosomal aberrations was applied. The received cumulative 5-year dose was measured by personal inactive thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) calibrated into personal doses equivalent Hp(10).

Results: An increased frequency of all unstable chromosomal aberration forms, such as acentric chromosomes and isochromatid lesions, was noticed in the last periodical check-up as compared to the previous/initial checkups (p<0.05). As for haematological parameters, a higher erythrocytes and monocytes count in the periodical checkups was noticed (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between reticulocytes and received 5-year cumulative dose (p<0.01). The duration of exposure had significant influence on higher level of leucocytes in the last periodical check-up (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Nuclear medicine employees have increased health risks and there is a need to monitor their health condition by periodical check-ups for prevention from occupational diseases (carcinoma).