Abstract
Background:
Radiologists working in diagnostic imaging departments are routinely exposed to low levels of ionizing radiation as part of their daily professional practice. Although these exposure levels are generally within permissible limits, long-term and repeated exposure raises concerns about potential effects on hematopoiesis. Ionizing radiation can affect bone marrow function, which may lead to subtle alterations in blood cell production over time. Understanding these changes is important for ensuring the occupational health and safety of radiation-exposed healthcare workers.
Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Lower Dir and Swat region. A total of sixty-four healthcare professionals with over two years of radiation exposure were recruited for this study. Complete blood counts (CBC) were analyzed using the Swelab Alfa Hematology Analyzer, and the results were categorized according to duration of occupational radiation exposure: less than 5 years, 5–10 years, and more than 10 years.
Results:
Sixty-four participants were included. Overall, CBC parameters remained within normal ranges, with mean WBC 7.4 ×10⁹/L, hemoglobin 15.5 g/dL, RBC 5.1 ×10¹²/L, and platelets 287 ×10⁹/L. No significant correlation was found between duration of radiation exposure and any CBC parameter (p > 0.05). When compared across exposure groups (<5, 5–10, and >10 years), no statistically significant differences were observed. However, mild trends were noted, including slightly lower WBC, hemoglobin, and platelet counts and a modest increase in lymphocyte percentage with longer exposure duration. Overall, the changes observed were minor and not clinically significant.
Conclusion:
Even though statistically significant differences were no detected, the count of WBC, hemoglobin and platelets showed decreasing trends with increasing pattern of the occupational radiation exposure. Such results highlight the importance of periodic hematological monitoring in medical radiation professionals.