Assessment of DNA damage in radiation workers by using single cell gel electrophoresis

objective To assess the DNA damage of radiation workers in different grade hospitals,and to explore the correlation between the types of work or work time and the levels of DNA damage.Methods DNA single strand break were detected by using alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis(SCGE),and the comet was analyzed with CASP(Comet Assay Software Project).TDNA,TL,TM and OTM were calculated.Results The parameters of SCGE in the radiation greup were higher than those of control group(F=3.93,P<0.01).The significant difference was found not only among the different types of work or difierent work time,but also among the different grade hospitals(F=1.83,1.9 1,P<0.05).Conclusions Various levels of DNA damage could be detected in the radiation workers of the two hospitals.DNA damage of radiation workers is less serious in the higher-grade hospital than the lower grade one.Different types of work or work time might affect the DNA damage level. Key words: Ionizing radiation; Radiation workers; DNA damage; Single cell gel electrophoresis