https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9537-3306
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Abstract
Purpose
Mutual cooperation of biodosimetry laboratories is required for dose assessments of large numbers of people with potential radiation exposure, as in mass casualty accidents. We launched an intercomparison exercise to validate the performance of biodosimetry laboratories in South Korea.
Materials and methods
Participating laboratories shared metaphase images from dicentric chromosome assays (DCAs) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-based translocation assays, which were evaluated based on their own scoring protocols.
Results
Overall, the coefficient of variation among three laboratories was less than 10% for counting scorable metaphases and chromosomal aberrations. However, there was variation in the interpretation of the International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines for selecting scorable metaphases and identifying chromosomal aberrations. In a technical workshop, scoring discrepancies were extensively discussed in order to harmonize biodosimetry protocols in Korea. In addition, metaphase images with agreement among all participating laboratories were compiled into an image databank, which can be used for education and training of scorers.
Conclusions
These findings and exercises may improve the accuracy of dose assessment, as well as increase the capacity for biodosimetry in South Korea.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Funding
Notes on contributors
Yang Hee Lee
Yang Hee Lee is a medical laboratory technician in the Lab of Biological Dosimetry, National Radiation Emergency Medical Center (NREMC), Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Younghyun Lee
Younghyun Lee, PhD is a researcher in the Lab of Biological Dosimetry, National Radiation Emergency Medical Center (NREMC), Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Hyo Jin Yoon
Hyo Jin Yoon is a medical laboratory technician in the Lab of Biological Dosimetry, National Radiation Emergency Medical Center (NREMC), Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Su San Yang
Su San Yang is a medical laboratory technician in the Lab of Biological Dosimetry, National Radiation Emergency Medical Center (NREMC), Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Hae Mi Joo
Hae Mi Joo is a researcher in Radiation Health Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Ji Young Kim
Ji Young Kim, PhD, is a principal researcher in Radiation Health Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Seong-Jun Cho
Seong-Jun Cho, PhD, is a senior researcher in Radiation Health Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Wol Soon Jo
Wol Soon Jo, PhD, is a senior researcher in the Department of Research Center, Dong Nam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Soo Kyung Jeong
Soo Kyung Jeong, is a researcher in the Department of Research Center, Dong Nam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Su Jung Oh
Su Jung Oh, is a researcher in the Department of Research Center, Dong Nam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Yeong-Rok Kang
Yeong-Rok Kang, PhD, is a senior researcher in the Department of Research Center, Dong Nam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (DIRAMS), Republic of Korea.
Ki Moon Seong
Ki Moon Seong, PhD, is a senior researcher in National Radiation Emergency Medical Center in the Republic of Korea. Currently, he contributes to the collaborating works of UNSCEAR in radiation biology as a Korean delegate.