Hematological effects of occupational radiation exposure in healthcare workers

Abstract

Aim: Healthcare workers involved in diagnostic, interventional, and surgical procedures may be chronically exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation during their professional activities. Because the hematopoietic system is among the most radiosensitive tissues, hematological parameters may provide useful indicators of biological effects associated with occupational radiation exposure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic low-dose occupational ionizing radiation exposure on hematological parameters in healthcare workers.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 60 radiation-exposed and 50 non-exposed healthcare workers. Personal dosimetry records [Hp(10) and Hp(0.07)] and employment duration were collected. Hematological parameters and assessments of lymph nodes and the spleen were also analyzed. Group differences and dose–response relationships were evaluated using correlation analyses, regression models, and ANCOVA.Results: Radiation-exposed workers had higher hematocrit, red blood cell (RBC) counts, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) than controls (p