title: Investigation into possible DNA damaging effects of ultrasound in occupationally exposed medical personnel--the alkaline comet assay study.
abstract: In the present paper the possible DNA damaging effects of ultrasound in occupationally exposed medical personnel were investigated using the alkaline comet assay. The extent of DNA migration in peripheral blood leucocytes was measured. Parameters of the comet assay were studied in 30 medical workers occupationally exposed to ultrasound and in 30 corresponding unexposed control subjects. It was found that the subjects who were occupationally exposed to ultrasound for various periods of time showed a highly significant increase in levels of DNA damage compared with the control. The results obtained have confirmed the usefulness of the alkaline comet assay as a sensitive biodosimetric method, reflecting the current level of DNA damage and/or repair in peripheral blood leucocytes of ultrasound-exposed subjects. In spite of their limitations, the results of the present investigation indicate that individuals occupationally exposed to ultrasound may experience an increased genotoxic risk, emphasizing the need for more research into the nature and extent of the biological consequences to medical personnel working with ultrasonic equipment.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Mutagenesis, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia. vgaraj@imi.hr
authors.forename: Verica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Garaj-Vrhovac
authors.forename: Nevenka
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kopjar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020552:Comet Assay / Q000379:methods*; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008503:Medical Staff; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014465:Ultrasonics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014463:Ultrasonography