title: Is a semi-automated approach indicated in the application of the automated micronucleus assay for triage purposes?
abstract: Within the EU MULTIBIODOSE project, the automated micronucleus (MN) assay was optimised for population triage in large-scale radiological emergencies. For MN scoring, two approaches were applied using the Metafer4 platform (MetaSystems, Germany): fully automated scoring and semi-automated scoring with visual inspection of the gallery of MN-positive objects. Dose-response curves were established for acute and protracted whole-body and partial-body exposures. A database of background MN yields was set up, allowing determination of the dose detection threshold in both scoring modes. An analysis of the overdispersion of the MN frequency distribution σ(2)/µ obtained by semi-automated scoring showed that the value of this parameter represents a reliability check of the calculated equivalent total body dose in case the accident overexposure is a partial-body exposure. The elaborated methodology was validated in an accident training exercise. Overall, the semi-automated scoring procedure represents important added value to the automated MN assay.
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Building 5B3, De Pintelaan 185, Gent B-9000, Belgium hubert.thierens@ugent.be.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Thierens
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Building 5B3, De Pintelaan 185, Gent B-9000, Belgium.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vral
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Building 5B3, De Pintelaan 185, Gent B-9000, Belgium.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vandevoorde
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Building 5B3, De Pintelaan 185, Gent B-9000, Belgium.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vandersickel
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Building 5B3, De Pintelaan 185, Gent B-9000, Belgium.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: de Gelder
authors.affiliation: Bundesamt fuer Strahlenschutz, Salzgitter, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Romm
authors.affiliation: Bundesamt fuer Strahlenschutz, Salzgitter, Germany.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Oestreicher
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, London, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rothkamm
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, London, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barnard
authors.affiliation: Public Health England, London, UK.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ainsbury
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sommer
authors.affiliation: Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beinke
authors.affiliation: Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wojcik
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001331:Automation; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D015162:Micronucleus Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult