1 Application Of Different Cytogenetic Endpoints In Risk Assessment Of Occupationally Exposure To Ultrasound

Ultrasound as a nonionizing form of energy is usable in many sensitive circumstances where X-rays might be damaging. Because ultrasonography is an invasive procedure, theoretical risks to the tissues do exist; however, there are no known examples of tissue damage from conventional ultrasound imaging. Reports about potentially harmful effects of diagnostic ultrasound on human chromosomes are contradictory. In present study the cytogenetic damage resulting from occupationally exposure to ultrasound was investigated. In order to investigate possible DNA damaging effects of ultrasonic waves on human genome different cytogenetic endpoints: chromosome aberrations (CA), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and micronucleus assay (MN) combined with Giemsa, DAPI and silver staining techniques were employed. In spite of their limitations, results of 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 ultrasound. 1