Hematological parameters and X-ray exposure among medical radiation workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The aim of this study was to explore the effect of occupational exposure to X-ray on hematological parameters. Research design and methods A systematic search was conducted in the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to April 2020. The methodological quality was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist . The random-effects model was used to estimate the effect size (standard difference in means (SDMs)) Results Out of 1750 identified citations, ten studies met the inclusion criteria The overall effect size did not show any significant difference between the two groups (SMDs ranged from -0.382 +/- 0.29 for white blood cells (WBC), 0.213 +/- 0.40 for platelet, -0.323 +/- 0.0.16 for mean corpuscular volume (MCV), 0.553 +/- 0.41 for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), -1.615 +/- 1.41 for monocyte, 0.418 +/- 0.49 for lymphocyte (P-value>0.05). Only the effect size of red blood cells was significantly higher than that of the control group (SMD = 1.06 +/- 0.28; 95% CI: 0.504, 1.615; P-value = 0.001). Conclusion The long-term and low-dose radiation may have no significant effect on blood parameters. Future studies are suggested to use other tests such as dicentric chromosome assay (DCA), cytogenetic tests, and modern tests besides blood count parameters.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the impact of occupational exposure to X-ray on hematological parameters. Through a systematic search and evaluation of methodological quality, it was found that long-term low-dose radiation may not have a significant effect on blood parameters, except for an increase in red blood cell count. Future studies could consider using additional tests for a more comprehensive evaluation.