Radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia: Does long-term exposure to radiation increase the risk of hematological disorders?

Authors

• Mohammed Makkawi, From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Mohammed, Sultan, Nashwa), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha; from Diagnostic Radiology Department (Nasser), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University; from the Medical Research Center (Nasser), Jazan University, Jazan; from Radiological Sciences Department (Yazeed), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; and From Radiological Department (Hussain), Sabia General Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Sultan Alasmari, From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Mohammed, Sultan, Nashwa), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha; from Diagnostic Radiology Department (Nasser), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University; from the Medical Research Center (Nasser), Jazan University, Jazan; from Radiological Sciences Department (Yazeed), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; and From Radiological Department (Hussain), Sabia General Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Nasser A. Shubayr, From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Mohammed, Sultan, Nashwa), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha; from Diagnostic Radiology Department (Nasser), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University; from the Medical Research Center (Nasser), Jazan University, Jazan; from Radiological Sciences Department (Yazeed), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; and From Radiological Department (Hussain), Sabia General Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Yazeed I. Alashban, From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Mohammed, Sultan, Nashwa), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha; from Diagnostic Radiology Department (Nasser), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University; from the Medical Research Center (Nasser), Jazan University, Jazan; from Radiological Sciences Department (Yazeed), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; and From Radiological Department (Hussain), Sabia General Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Nashwa H. Eisa, From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Mohammed, Sultan, Nashwa), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha; from Diagnostic Radiology Department (Nasser), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University; from the Medical Research Center (Nasser), Jazan University, Jazan; from Radiological Sciences Department (Yazeed), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; and From Radiological Department (Hussain), Sabia General Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Hussain A. Khairy, From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Mohammed, Sultan, Nashwa), Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha; from Diagnostic Radiology Department (Nasser), College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University; from the Medical Research Center (Nasser), Jazan University, Jazan; from Radiological Sciences Department (Yazeed), College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University; and From Radiological Department (Hussain), Sabia General Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the influence of prolonged exposure to radiation based on dosimeter readings on hematological parameters among radiologic technologists (RTs) in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was specifically conducted on selected RTs with experience of more than 10 years and the highest thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) readings among all RTs in the Radiological Department, Sabya General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia from August to October 2020. The RTs group was compared with a control group of non-irradiated participants. Blood samples were collected for hematological and coagulation profile evaluation. Results: The acquired radiation dose analysis revealed that the average accumulated dose in 10 years is 7.6 mSv. The medians of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of the RTs group were significantly lower when compared to the control group. In addition, RTs group exhibited a significant reduction in neutrophil count and an elevation in lymphocyte count. Conclusion: Chronic exposure to radiation revealed a significant change in blood tests and may reflect an effect on RTs tissues, leading to serious health problems. However, further investigation in a large cohort to study the association between alteration in hematological parameters and chronic radiation exposure is required.

Article Type

Brief Communication

First Page

913

Last Page

917

Recommended Citation

Makkawi, Mohammed; Alasmari, Sultan; Shubayr, Nasser A.; Alashban, Yazeed I.; Eisa, Nashwa H.; and Khairy, Hussain A. (2021) "Radiologic technologists in Saudi Arabia: Does long-term exposure to radiation increase the risk of hematological disorders?," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 42: Iss. 8, Article 15.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2021.42.8.20210171