Effect of Ionizing Radiation on Blood Parameters of Workers in the Field of Medical Radiation, White Nile State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Ionising radiation can cause various forms of cellular damage, including an increased incidence of chromosomal aberrations. The cytotoxic effects of low-dose ionising radiation in occupationally exposed radiation workers have been reported; therefore, laboratory workers should be aware of the risks associated with handling radioactive materials. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of ionising radiation on the haematological parameters of medical radiation workers. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among medical radiology workers in White Nile State, Sudan, from July to October 2024. A total of 100 participants, divided into two groups (50 cases and 50 controls), were analysed for blood parameters using an automated blood analysis method (Sysmex), and the results were statistically processed using SPSS (version 21). Results: The study identified statistically significant differences in red blood cell count and total white blood cell count between the groups under comparison. In contrast, platelet count and the majority of other haematological parameters did not differ significantly. Although variations in the mean haematocrit and mean corpuscular haemoglobin values were observed among certain medical radiographers, these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, no significant associations were detected between the duration of occupational exposure and most haematological parameters among medical radiographers. Conclusions: In conclusion, the study demonstrated significant differences in red blood cell count and total white blood cell count between radiation-exposed workers and the control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in platelet-related parameters or in most differential white blood cell indices. Overall, the findings suggest that occupational radiation exposure was associated with only limited detectable alterations in haematological parameters within the study population.