Evaluation of Immunoglobulin Levels in X- Ray Technicians among Different Hospitals in Basrah Province -Iraq
Department of Medical laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Southern Technical University, Basrah, Iraq.
Research Article
International Journal of Life Science Research Archive, 2026, 10(02), 120-126.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijlsra.2026.10.2.0044
Publication history:
Received on 01 May 2026; revised on 07 June 2026; accepted on 09 June 2026
Abstract:
Background: One of the most important physical agents utilized in the modern practice of medicine is ionization radiation, and it is now indispensable for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Objective: To examine the immunological changes that occur in the technicians in radiation-related professions who have had prolonged exposure to radiation.
Methodology: This cross sectional study involved two groups; (70) occupationally exposed X-ray technicians of three major teaching hospitals and five private diagnostic centers in Basra Province, and (35) unexposed control. The concentrations of immunoglobulins (IgM, IgG, and IgA) by automated Abbott Architect Ci4100 analyzer.
Results: The results of the current study demonstrated significant decrease (p≤0.05) in serum IgM concentrations among X-ray technicians compared with the unexposed control group. The median IgM level was 59.80 mg/dL (IQR: 41.20-106.10) in X-ray technicians versus 106.10 mg/dL (IQR: 76.70-145.30) in control. In contrast, serum IgA and IgG concentrations didn’t show any significant differences between both groups. According to the years of work, the present data showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the median of IgA and IgM concentrations among x-ray technicians for less than 10 years group103.60 mg/dL (IQR: 94.90-174.90) and 213.85 mg/dL (IQR:185.10-382.15), respectively compared to more than 10 years group 51.50 mg/dL (IQR: 32.40-81.9) and 111.80 mg/dL (IQR:74.10-199.20) respectively.
Conclusion: Chronic occupational exposure to X-ray radiation may influence humoral immunity through suppression of IgM levels among radiology technicians. Prolonged exposure (more than 10 years) was associated with further reduction in IgM and IgA concentrations suggesting cumulative immunological effects of long–term low dose radiation exposure.
Keywords:
Occupational Radiation; X-ray; IgM; IgG; IgA
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