title: Radiation biodosimetry: applications for spaceflight.
abstract: The multiparametric dosimetry system that we are developing for medical radiological defense applications could be adapted for spaceflight environments. The system complements the internationally accepted personnel dosimeters and cytogenetic analysis of chromosome aberrations, considered the best means of documenting radiation doses for health records. Our system consists of a portable hematology analyzer, molecular biodosimetry using nucleic acid and antigen-based diagnostic equipment, and a dose assessment management software application. A dry-capillary tube reagent-based centrifuge blood cell counter (QBC Autoread Plus, Becton [correction of Beckon] Dickinson Bioscience) measures peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes, which could determine radiation dose based on the kinetics of blood cell depletion. Molecular biomarkers for ionizing radiation exposure (gene expression changes, blood proteins) can be measured in real time using such diagnostic detection technologies as miniaturized nucleic acid sequences and antigen-based biosensors, but they require validation of dose-dependent targets and development of optimized protocols and analysis systems. The Biodosimetry Assessment Tool, a software application, calculates radiation dose based on a patient's physical signs and symptoms and blood cell count analysis. It also annotates location of personnel dosimeters, displays a summary of a patient's dosimetric information to healthcare professionals, and archives the data for further use. These radiation assessment diagnostic technologies can have dual-use applications supporting general medical-related care.
authors.affiliation: Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI), Bethesda, MD 20889-5603, USA. blakely@afrri.usuhs.mil
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Blakely
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Grace
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: McLeland
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Muderhwa
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Miner
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Prasanna
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005373:Film Dosimetry; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D009000:Monocytes / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011853:Radiobiology / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012984:Software; D013026:Space Flight
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers