We studied the effects of ultrasound on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of medical personnel from a cardiology unit working with colour Doppler ultrasonic equipment. Cytogenetic risks from ultrasound exposure were assessed by analysis of chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), study of cell-cycle kinetics and micronucleus assay. We found significant increases (P < 0.001) in the total number of chromosome aberrations, mainly due to chromatid breaks and acentric fragments, increases in the total number of micronuclei and SCE and disturbances in cell-cycle kinetics in the exposed group compared to the control. In spite of their limitations, the results of the present investigation indicate that individuals occupationally exposed to ultrasound may experience an increased genotoxic risk and strongly emphasize the need for more research into the nature and extent of the biological consequences to medical personnel working with Doppler ultrasound.
Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.