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Recent Outcomes of NATO SPS Project: Novel biological and physical methods for triage in (R/N) radiological and nuclear emergencies “BioPhyMeTRE”

The “BioPhyMeTRE” project (2020-2023) focuses on the validation of innovative biological and physical methods for a rapid screening/triage of potential victims involved in radiological and nuclear (R/N) accidents by using inexpensive and user-friendly analytical procedures and devices [1]. In this regard, the validation of a novel biological dosimetry method combining the dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) and the micronucleus test (MN) in a single protocol is ongoing. The method was optimized modifying key steps (i.e. colcemid treatment and fixation) in order to obtain an adequate number of good quality metaphases and binucleated cells for triage procedure, both in control and in irradiated samples. The combined biological protocol was compared to the standard methods for DCA and MN in terms of numbers of dicentrics and micronuclei induced by 60Co gamma rays at the following doses: 0.5, 1, 2, 3 Gy. Moreover, the automation of the scoring for the combined protocol has been performed by the METAFER 4 scanning platform: for the analysis a single classifier is used, which combines three different search/analysis algorithms by executing them in an ordered sequence. Simultaneously, physical dosimetry study on the everyday personal objects of low cost, that people give up easily in the event of an accident emergency with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) technique was conducted. Encouraging results obtained applying this technique to personal objects have already been reported in literature, but the novelty of this study is the instrument proposed for the analysis: a low-cost, portable system applicable in situ for rapid tests (about 60 s) on samples as received. Among different kind of examined samples, salty crackers and supplements containing vitamins and minerals appeared very promising given the high radiation sensitivity of some of their components (mainly salts). Radiation sensitivity and dose response in the range of interest for R/N emergency dosimetry (0.1-5 Gy) were investigated by using different stimulations, infrared (890 nm) or blue light (470 nm).

Retrospective dosimetry ; radiation triage ; dicentric chromosome assay ; micronucleus assay ; photo-stimulated luminescence

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