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High-throughput sample processing and sample management; the functional evolution of classical cytogenetic assay
Adarsh Ramakumar1, Uma Subramanian1, Pataje G S Prasanna1
1Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, 8901 Wisconsin Avenue, Bldg. 42, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.
Mutation Research. Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis
|November 2, 2015
Summary
Automating the Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA) significantly increases throughput for radiation dose assessment after mass casualty events. This enhanced biodosimetry system integrates robotics and bioinformatics for faster, reliable individual dose evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Radiation biology
- Cytogenetics
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- High-throughput individual diagnostic dose assessment is crucial for managing radiation-exposed individuals post-mass casualty.
- The Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA) is the gold standard for biodosimetry but faces throughput limitations.
- Current DCA methods are multi-step, multi-day bioassays, hindering rapid dose assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement an automated, high-throughput Dicentric Chromosome Assay (DCA) for individual radiation dose assessment.
- To overcome the throughput limitations of traditional DCA through laboratory automation and bioinformatics.
- To ensure quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) in automated biodosimetry according to international standards.
Main Methods:
- Transitioned bench-based DCA to a high-throughput automated process using extensive laboratory automation for sample preparation.
- Developed and implemented a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to manage increased sample capacity and maintain SOPs for robotic instruments.
- Automated chromosome-aberration analysis using an integrated image analysis platform and bioinformatics approaches.
Main Results:
- Successfully transitioned the classical DCA to a high-throughput automated biodosimetry system.
- Implemented a LIMS to manage sample processing, ensure data integrity, and automate analysis.
- Achieved enhanced throughput for individual dose assessment, addressing a critical need in mass casualty scenarios.
Conclusions:
- The integrated automated laboratory system enhances the throughput of DCA, making it more applicable for dose-based stratification after mass casualty incidents.
- Automation and bioinformatics significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of radiation biodosimetry.
- This evolution of DCA bridges technological gaps, enabling faster and more effective medical management of radiation-exposed populations.
Keywords:
AutomationBiodosimetryCytogenetic laboratoryDicentric assayLaboratory information systemRadiation exposure assessmentRadiation mass casualty triage
