[en] Existing physical dosimeters are reliable in terms of accuracy and reproducibility in the estimating radiation doses. However, they do lack certain critical criteria, i.e., the biological response. A search for biological dosimeters for radiation dose assessment is paramount. Countless biological systems have been tested for such purposes and some of them looks promising while others have been adopted foe estimating absorbed doses. This article discusses some biological dosimeters and the qualifications they have to be considered as biodosimeters

[en] The advantages and limitations of clinical application of radiation biological dosimeter and the present status of research progress in biological dosimeter are reviewed. The new indicators and techniques in this field which are possible to become the biological dosimeter and have got close attention are also introduced. Their feasibility and potential application value are discussed. (authors)

No abstract available

[en] The RABiT (Rapid Automated Biodosimetry Tool) is a dedicated Robotic platform for the automation of cytogenetics-based biodosimetry assays. The RABiT was developed to fulfill the critical requirement for triage following a mass radiological or nuclear event. Starting from well-characterized and accepted assays we developed a custom robotic platform to automate them. We present here a brief historical overview of the RABiT program at Columbia University from its inception in 2005 until the RABiT was dismantled at the end of 2015. The main focus of this paper is to demonstrate how the biological assays drove development of the custom robotic systems and in turn new advances in commercial robotic platforms inspired small modifications in the assays to allow replacing customized robotics with 'off the shelf' systems. Currently, a second-generation, RABiT II, system at Columbia University, consisting of a PerkinElmer cell::explorer, was programmed to perform the RABiT assays and is undergoing testing and optimization studies. (authors)

[en] Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with five cocktails of composite whole chromosome-specific DNA probes 1, 4, 12; 2, 7, 9; 2, 7, 9_dig; 3, 6, 10_dig and 8, 14 X_dig and a degenerate α-satellite pancentromeric DNA probe was used to examine in vitro radiation-induced symmetrical translocations and dicentrics in peripheral lymphocytes for a DNA-proportional distribution. For a discrimination between morphologically similar target chromosomes, chromosomes 9, 10 and X were labelled with digoxigenin (dig). (Author)

No abstract available

[en] Biological dosimeters are usually employed in addition to physical dosimeter, or as a replacement for them if they were not available in cases of radiation accidents. A unit was established to use some biological indicators, in the field of radiation protection, for dose assessment by utilizing cytogenetic approach as a biological dosimeter, with preparation of dose-response curves by irradiation of human blood samples in vitro

[en] In many situations, controlling the exposure of skin to radiation can be a limiting factor. This not only applies to the nuclear power industry but also to those involved with radiography, radiotherapy, crystallography and other procedures involving possible exposure to radiation. At high doses, as illustrated at Chernobyl, skin damage may be a serious threat to life and a detailed knowledge of dose distribution is crucial for determining the most appropriate medical treatment. At lower doses, a knowledge of dose distribution is also necessary for calculating the total risk associated with the possible induction of cancer in different tissues throughout the body. The CEGB has a particular interest in radioactive particulates which, although not life-threatening, have to be taken into account to comply with International Recommendations and UK Regulations relating to skin dose limitation. To answer questions on the radiobiology of such exposures, with respect to skin, the CEGB established a substantial collaborative research programme. In particular, work was initiated at BNL and Oxford University to investigate the use of hair, and associated cells, as a biological monitor of dose distribution. These techniques can help to confirm that common changes in the appearance of skin (redness etc.) are not due to ionising radiation. (author)

No abstract available

[en] The biological dosimetry is the only available tool for dose estimation in numerous nuclear and radiological accidents. The cytogenetic dosimetry, which uses the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in the lymphocytes of the peripheral blood as reference indicator is the most precise biological dosimetry method. The Biological Dosimetry Laboratory of the Center for Radiation Protection and Hygiene has more than 20 years of expertise carrying out the Cytogenetic Dosimetric Service; also it has implemented the requirements of ISO 19238:2004 and the ISO 17025:2005 in the laboratory management system establishment, with a complex and voluminous although necessary documentation. Furthermore, the results of mathematical procedures for dose estimations can only be achieved in a accuracy way with an adequate automation. DOSGEN allows the processing of all the information of the cases, from the patient reception up to the final report. DOSGEN has an independent module with the main mathematical operations in the Cytogenetic Dosimetry, among them all the recommended in the IAEA 405 technical report, i.e. calculating the fit coefficients of the dose response curves, checking for the adjustment of Poisson distribution of the aberration by cell, dose estimation in cases of total irradiations and the dose and the irradiated fraction estimation in cases of partial irradiations using Dolphin or Qdr method. The system records the calibration curves that are used by the laboratory. The coefficients of these curves may be calculated using the data obtained by the in vitro irradiation in the laboratory or may be introduced by the user if the coefficients were obtained out of the system. DOSGEN program was developed in Borland Delphis for Windows and Microsoft Access, with different levels of access control according to the type of user. An attractive and comprehensible environment is provided and it allows to work in network. The results can be presented by reports and correlations, by screen or printer, and in text, graphic and table format. (author)