A rapid multiparametric method for victim triage in cases of accidental protracted irradiation or delayed analysis

The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and simple method for the triage of radiation accident victims, according to the severity of radiation-induced damage, especially when the radiological nature of the accident is recognised late or gives rise to a protracted irradiation. The work was based on the recent radiation accident in Dakar (Senegal). A score was developed based on the complete blood count and the plasma Flt3 ligand concentration of each of the 63 potential victims of this accident. The three victims who received the highest radiation dose, as defined by cytogenetic analysis, were easily detected by this score analysis. A correlation was obtained between the score and the radiation dose. This score might allow a triage of radiation accident victims based on simple parameters that are easy and fast to obtain. This score is simple to interpret and might allow the identification of victims at risk of developing an acute radiation syndrome. Interestingly, as the parameters used in this score evolve according to the development of the haematopoietic syndrome, this score may be applicable for several weeks after the radiation accident, even in a case of protracted exposure, as happened in the Dakar accident.