Biological dose assessment after low-dose overexposures in nuclear medicine.
This paper focuses on the application of dicentric chromosome assay biodosimetry in cases of low-dose overexposures to professionals working in nuclear medicine and discusses how to present the results and associated uncertainties, to make possible a better understanding of biodosimetric reports. Five examples are presented of low or possibly zero exposure dose that are illustrative of typical problems that arise in occupational settings, in this instance in nuclear medicine departments. This is a scenario of minor concern in terms of health consequences but it is relevant in legal terms. They pose dilemmas for investigators but biological dosimetry can make a valuable contribution to resolving the cases.
Nuclear Energy Department of Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Cidade Universitária, Av. Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, 50740-540 Recife, Brazil marcelazoo@yahoo.com.br.
Marcela
M
Pinto
Nuclear Energy Department of Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Cidade Universitária, Av. Professor Luiz Freire, 1000, 50740-540 Recife, Brazil.
Ademir
A
Amaral
D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods*; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000528:radiation effects*; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D009683:Nuclear Medicine; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011874:Radiometry / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*