title: Analysis of chromosomal aberrations frequency, haematological parameters and received doses by nuclear medicine professionals.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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).
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
authors.forename: Jelena
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Djokovic-Davidovic
authors.forename: Andjela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Milovanovic
authors.forename: Jovica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Milovanovic
authors.forename: Vojislav
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Antic
authors.forename: Milan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gajic
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D015162:Micronucleus Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D009683:Nuclear Medicine; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D000069079:Radiation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D055771:Serbia; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry; D013997:Time Factors; D000078329:Workforce
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers