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Abstract
Purpose: In the framework of the ‘Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry’ (RENEB) project, two intercomparison exercises were conducted to assess the suitability of an optimized version of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and to evaluate the capacity of a large laboratory network performing biodosimetry for radiation emergency triages. Twelve European institutions participated in the first exercise, and four non-RENEB labs were added in the second one.
Materials and methods: Irradiated blood samples were shipped to participating labs, whose task was to culture these samples and provide a blind dose estimate. Micronucleus analysis was performed by automated, semi-automated and manual procedures.
Results: The dose estimates provided by network laboratories were in good agreement with true administered doses. The most accurate estimates were reported for low dose points (≤ 0.94 Gy). For higher dose points (≥ 2.7 Gy) a larger variation in estimates was observed, though in the second exercise the number of acceptable estimates increased satisfactorily. Higher accuracy was achieved with the semi-automated method.
Conclusion: The results of the two exercises performed by our network demonstrate that the micronucleus assay is a useful tool for large-scale radiation emergencies, and can be successfully implemented within a large network of laboratories.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank Ms. Toke Thiron, Johanna Aernoudt, Greet De Smet and Leen Pieters for their excellent technical assistance.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are response for the content and writing of the paper.
Funding
This work was supported by the EU within the 7th Framework Programme, grant number 295513 and by a University Development Cooperation ‘VLIR Own Initiative Programme’ between Belgium and South Africa (ZEIN2011PR387).