Evaluation of DNA damage in lymphocytes of radiology personnel by comet assay

Evaluation of DNA damage in lympho- cytes of radiology personnel by comet assay: Muhammad KHISROON, et al. Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan—Objectives: The importance of X-rays as a diagnostic medical tool cannot be denied. However, continuous exposure to X-rays can cause DNA damage. This study aimed to use the comet assay technique to investigate the level of DNA damage in lymphocytes due to X-rays in occupationally exposed personnel. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 74 exposed and 70 control subjects for analysis. A total of 100 randomly captured cells from each slide were examined using an epifluorescent microscope. The comets were analyzed by a visual scoring method according to comet tail length. Results: The results indicated a significant increase (p<0.05) in DNA damage in X-rays technicians (129.8 ± 17.2) as compared with the control group (53.0 ± 25.0). A significant increase (p<0.02) in DNA damage was also observed with an increase in exposure duration of technicians because of their service length. Conclusions: The present study suggests that the exposed radiology personnel should carefully comply with radiation protection procedures such as wearing of lead apron during diagnostic proce- dures and minimize radiation exposure where possible