Evaluation of Hematological Parameter Changes on Worker Staff Exposed to Emitted Radiation from Medical Apparatus in Al-Najaf Province

Abstract Background: Radiographers have been known to have significant and long-term exposure to ionic radiation. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation (IRs) on medical workers’ hematological parameters (HPs) in the Al Hakeem and Al Zahara teaching hospitals in Najaf Province. Materials and Methods: The current study included a total of 60 healthy medical radiographers (MRs) who were comparable to a group of 20 healthy controls. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the mean packed cell volume (P.C.V) of the hospital staff compared with the control group, and there was a significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCHC, platelet count, and lymphocytes of the hospital staff compared with the control group, and there was no significant difference in mean Hb, WBC, and neutrophils, but there was also a significant increase in the mean Hb and PCV of male workers compared with female workers, but no significant difference in the other HPs between male and female workers in the hospital. The results reveal a significant increase in the mean Hb, platelet count, and WBC among Al Zahara staff compared to Al Hakeem staff. The results also revealed that there was no significant difference in the other HPs between the two hospital staff members. Conclusion: It is strongly recommended that auditing of personal protective equipment for IR be conducted. In addition, protection and safety should be enforced, and medical monitoring, including that of hematological indices, should be performed on a regular basis. These measures would aid in reducing the effects of workplace radiation hazards and detecting disorders at an early stage.