Biological dose estimation in a radiation accident involving low-dose exposure.
Blood specimens were collected from 8 people 18 days after they had been accidentally exposed to a 947.2 GBq iridium-192 source during industrial application. The equivalent whole-body dose received at day 0 was estimated using a model based on quantitative and qualitative chromosome aberration analysis in lymphocytes. According to physical dose estimations, all 8 people were exposed to whole-body doses varying from 12 mGy to 61 mGy. Substantiated evidence to this effect was found in at least 3 cases using biological dosimetric criteria, proving the sensitivity of this cytogenetic model even at low doses.
Jansen
S
S
Department of Neurology, University of the Orange Free State, Bloemfontein.
van Huyssteen
G J
GJ
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013997:Time Factors