Chromosome translocations in Chinese medical X-ray workers analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Objective To study long\|term radiation effect in occupational workers exposed to low dose X\|rays using the method of fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH). Method Chromosome translocations of 25 medical X\|ray workers were analyzed by FISH with chromosome 4\+# and 7\+# probes according to PAINT (The Protocol for Aberration Identification and Nomenclature Terminology) system. Results The frequency of genome translocation in X\|ray workers was (13 14±1 23)/1 000 cells.The rate of complete and incomplete translocation was 1∶1 7.According to the calendar year of entry before/after the year of 1965 as the border,the data showed that the incomplete translocation of the after 1965 group was higher than that of the controls ( P 0 05) and the complete and incomplete translocations of the before 1965 group were obviously higher than those of the controls ( P 0 01 and P 0 05,respectively). Conclusion The chromosome translocation in early Chinese medical X\|ray workers is mainly the incomplete one,the frequency of translocation does not dependent on chromosomal DNA content,and incomplete and comple ones increase along with prolongation of working years in their position.