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Review of methods and computer codes for interpretation of bioassay data
E Ansoborlo1, P Bérard, K Eckerman
1CEA/DEN/DRCP/CETAMA, VALRHO-Marcoule, BP 17171, 30207 Bagnols-sur-Ceze, France. eric.ansoborlo@cea.fr
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|October 7, 2003
Summary
Accurate internal dose assessment requires reliable bioassay interpretation methods. A review of six computer codes implementing International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) biokinetic models revealed significant variability, highlighting the need for improved guidance.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Dosimetry
- Radiological Protection
- Computational Toxicology
Background:
- Internal dose determination is critical for monitoring individuals exposed to radionuclides.
- Existing methods and computer programs for dose assessment show unacceptable variability, as indicated by a recent European Radiation Dosimetry Group (EURADOS) intercomparison.
- The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has initiated a working party to provide guidance on interpreting bioassay data for dose assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and assess six computer codes used for bioassay data interpretation.
- To evaluate these codes based on criteria including biokinetic models, data fitting, parameter choices, and uncertainty handling.
- To inform the development of ICRP guidance for bioassay data interpretation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of six bioassay interpretation codes implementing ICRP Publication 78 biokinetic models.
- Assessment of codes against predefined criteria, categorized as minor (usability, graphics) and major (models, fitting, uncertainties).
- Validation using one artificial dataset and two real-world datasets from a previous EURADOS intercomparison.
Main Results:
- Significant variations were observed in the performance and capabilities of the reviewed bioassay interpretation codes.
- The assessment highlighted differences in the implementation of biokinetic models and the handling of uncertainties.
- The study identified areas where current codes fall short in providing consistent and reliable dose assessments.
Conclusions:
- There is a clear need for standardized guidance on the use of biokinetic models and interpretation of bioassay data.
- The variability in code performance underscores the challenges in achieving accurate internal dose assessments.
- Findings will contribute to the ICRP's efforts to improve recommendations for individual monitoring and dose assessment.