Introduction Ionising radiation is often used in medicine for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Radiation workers exposed to ionising radiation have to follow all the safety measures and precautions at their work. The purpose of this article was to analyse the impact of low-dose ionising radiation to medicine professionals exposed to ionising radiation of the Clinical Centre of Serbia.

Methods Data from the last medical check-ups, obtained from the medical records of 148 employees from Clinical centre of Serbia, were analysed. They were divided into tree groups-empoyees in nuclear medicine, in interventional radiology and general radiology. A typical check-up, haematological parameters analysis, as well as special cytogenetical analyses, such as unstable chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus test, were carried out. The received cumulative 5 year dose was measured by personal inactive thermoluminescent dosimeters calibrated into personal doses equivalent Hp (10).

Results By comparing the results of the frequency of unstable chromosomal aberrations in the last periodical check-up of the employees in all the three groups we have found that the nuclear medicine employees had a significantly higher frequency of unstable chromosomal aberrations (x ²=6.634; p<0.05). Employees in nuclear medicine had significantly lower levels of red blood cells as compared to employees in general and interventional radiology. Statistically higher platelet count was ascertained with the employees in general radiology (ANOVA, p<0.01). Nuclear medicine employees have received statistically higher cumulative dose than the employees in interventional radiology and general radiology (x ²=23.465; p<0.01). There is also no statistically significant difference in the outcome of the micronucleus test between groups of employees (x ²=1.245; p>0.05).

Discussion Out of the three groups of employees tested, nuclear medicine employees have increased health risks than employees in interventional radiology and general radiology. There is a need to monitor their health condition by periodical check-ups for prevention from occupational diseases.