Effects on blood parameters from hand-arm vibrations exposure

Abstract

Vibration exposure from handheld tools can affect the hands with neurological symptoms and vibration-induced Raynaud's phenomenon (VRP). The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully known, however, changes in the composition of blood parameters may contribute to VRP with an increase in blood viscosity and inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to examine the effect on blood parameters in capillary blood from fingers that had been exposed to a vibrating hand-held tool. This study involved nine healthy participants who had been exposed to vibration and an unexposed control group of six participants. Capillary blood samples were collected before and after vibration exposure for the exposed group, and repeated samples also from the control group. The exposed groups were exposed to vibration for a 15-min period or until they reached a 5.0m/s2 vibration dose. Analysis of blood status and differential counting of leucocytes was performed on the capillary blood samples. The results of the blood samples showed an increase in mean value for erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF), hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count and neutrophils, as well as a decrease of mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, and mean cell hemoglobin concentration. The increase of EVF and neutrophils was statistically significant for samples taken from the index finger but not the little finger. Even though the study was small it showed that an acute vibration exposure to the hands might increase EVF and neutrophilic granulocytes levels in the capillary blood taken from index fingers.