Interlaboratory variation in scoring dicentric chromosomes in a case of partial-body x-ray exposure

TY - JOUR

T1 - Interlaboratory variation in scoring dicentric chromosomes in a case of partial-body x-ray exposure

T2 - implications for biodosimetry networking and cytogenetic "triage mode" scoring

AU - Ainsbury, E A

AU - Livingston, G K

AU - Abbott, M G

AU - Moquet, J E

AU - Hone, P A

AU - Jenkins, M S

AU - Christensen, D M

AU - Lloyd, D C

AU - Rothkamm, K

PY - 2009/12

Y1 - 2009/12

N2 - The international radiation biodosimetry community has recently been engaged in activities focused on establishing cooperative networks for biodosimetric triage for radiation emergency scenarios involving mass casualties. To this end, there have been several recent publications in the literature regarding the potential for shared scoring in such an accident or incident. We present details from a medical irradiation case where two independently validated laboratories found very different yields of dicentric chromosome aberrations. The potential reasons for this disparity are discussed, and the actual reason is identified as being the partial-body nature of the radiation exposure combined with differing criteria for metaphase selection. In the context of the recent networking activity, this report is intended to highlight the fact that shared scoring may produce inconsistencies and that further validation of the scoring protocols and experimental techniques may be required before the networks are prepared to deal satisfactorily with a radiological or nuclear emergency. Also, the findings presented here clearly demonstrate the limitations of the dicentric assay for estimating radiation doses after partial-body exposures and bring into question the usefulness of rapid "triage mode" scoring in such exposure scenarios.

AB - The international radiation biodosimetry community has recently been engaged in activities focused on establishing cooperative networks for biodosimetric triage for radiation emergency scenarios involving mass casualties. To this end, there have been several recent publications in the literature regarding the potential for shared scoring in such an accident or incident. We present details from a medical irradiation case where two independently validated laboratories found very different yields of dicentric chromosome aberrations. The potential reasons for this disparity are discussed, and the actual reason is identified as being the partial-body nature of the radiation exposure combined with differing criteria for metaphase selection. In the context of the recent networking activity, this report is intended to highlight the fact that shared scoring may produce inconsistencies and that further validation of the scoring protocols and experimental techniques may be required before the networks are prepared to deal satisfactorily with a radiological or nuclear emergency. Also, the findings presented here clearly demonstrate the limitations of the dicentric assay for estimating radiation doses after partial-body exposures and bring into question the usefulness of rapid "triage mode" scoring in such exposure scenarios.

KW - Chromosome Aberrations

KW - Chromosomes, Human

KW - Humans

KW - Radiation Dosage

KW - X-Rays

U2 - 10.1667/RR1934.1

DO - 10.1667/RR1934.1

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 19929421

VL - 172

SP - 746

EP - 752

IS - 6

ER -