This paper attempts to provide a systematic overview of the principles and practice of biodosimetry. Biodosimetry is the use of radiation induced changes in the tissues to provide an estimate of the dose the person may have received in a radiation event. Biodosimetry provides an estimate of the individual's risk of developing the life threatening consequences of acute radiation syndrome, which is useful for making the initial decision to triage the person into the medical system for urgent care. For individuals with confirmed evidence of exposure, biodosimetry also can be used in a second stage to provide more refined estimates of dose and may also supply organ-specific information of damage or evidence of whole or partial body exposure, which are useful for deciding the most appropriate timing and type(s) of therapeutic intervention. As both experience and analyses have shown, the dose received by many individuals cannot be reliably determined by other means such as film badge dosimeters or calculations of the dose distribution over the affected area.
展开▼
