Cytogenetic abnormalities in lymphocytes evaluated with micronucleus assay in medical personnel occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxicity of ionizing radiation on medical personnel using the micronucleus assay and to determine the human health risk. Paired Student's t-test shows significant statistical difference between the total number of binucleated (BN) cells with micronuclei within the two groups (exposed and control) (t=6,812; p < 0,05). The mean of MN frequencies in the exposed group increased in comparison with the mean of MN frequencies in the control group. The formation of small and large micronuclei indicates that medical personnel who are exposed on radiation in their work place, have a chromosomal instability and a risk of cancer.