ABSTRACT

Hong Kong Med J 2013;19:168–73 | Number 2, April 2013
MEDICAL PRACTICE
Cytogenetic biodosimetry: what it is and how we do it
KF Wong, Lisa LP Siu, E Ainsbury, J Moquet
Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong
 
 
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.
 
Key words: Acute radiation syndrome; Cytogenetic analysis; Nuclear power plants; Radiation dosage; Radiometry
 
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