Evaluation of blood cell count in the radiology staff of Birjand Hospitals in 2011

Ionizing radiation can cause irreversible damages in individuals who are somehow exposed to radiation. Counting blood cells (CBC) can be used as a criterion to reveal the extent of injury to the hematopoietic system by ionizing rays. The present study aimed at examining blood cells of the radiology staff in the radiology wards of Birjand hospitals in 2011. In this case-control study، 36 radiology staff of Birjand radiology wards (cases) and 36 individuals who worked in other wards and had nothing to do with radiation but were matched with the cases regarding intervening variables were assessed. Cell blood count was measured by means of sysmix machine. The obtained data was analysed at the significant level P= 0. 05 using SPSS (V. 16) using statistical tests independent-T، one-way variance، and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The study population covered 18 males and 18 females. Mean white blood cells and monocytes in radiation personnel were lower compared to that of the control group. No significant correlation was observed between age، gender، educational level، and working record on hand with blood cell count، on the other. Regarding ever- increasing of ionizing radiation use in Medical Imaging، it is necessary to observe standards and more accurately in medical radiology centers، especially in nuclear medicine. Besides، the present study indicates that radiation exposure must seriously be followed up by authorities in charge.