title: Cytogenetic biodosimetry: what it is and how we do it.
abstract: Dicentric assay is the international gold standard for cytogenetic biodosimetry after radiation exposure, despite being very labour-intensive, time-consuming, and highly expertise-dependent. It involves the identification of centromeres and structure of solid-stained chromosomes and the enumeration of dicentric chromosomes in a large number of first-division metaphases of cultured T lymphocytes. The dicentric yield is used to estimate the radiation exposure dosage according to a statistically derived and predetermined dose-response curve. It can be used for population triage after large-scale accidental over-exposure to ionising radiation or with a view to making clinical decisions for individual patients receiving substantial radiation. In this report, we describe our experience in the establishment of a cytogenetic biodosimetry laboratory in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong. This was part of the contingency plan for emergency measures against radiation accidents at nuclear power stations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong. kfwong@ha.org.hk
authors.forename: K F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Lisa L P
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Siu
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ainsbury
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moquet
mesh_terms: D001681:Biological Assay; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000528:radiation effects; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055848:Nuclear Power Plants; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011839:Radiation, Ionizing; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011874:Radiometry; D018570:Risk Assessment
keywords: Acute radiation syndrome; Cytogenetic analysis; Nuclear power plants; Radiation dosage; Radiometry