Web based scoring is useful for validation and harmonisation of scoring criteria within RENEB.

Area of Science:

• Radiation biology
• Cytogenetics
• Biophysical modeling

Background:

• The dicentric assay is a standard method for biological dosimetry, assessing radiation exposure by analyzing chromosomal aberrations.
• Standardization and inter-laboratory comparisons are crucial for reliable dose assessment in biodosimetry networks.
• The European network of biodosimetry (RENEB) aims to harmonize and improve biodosimetry services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a digital image training dataset for the dicentric assay.
• To evaluate scoring criteria and dose assessment accuracy within the RENEB network.
• To assess the feasibility of web-based scoring for inter-laboratory comparisons.

Main Methods:

• A web-based platform was used for scoring digital images of metaphases.
• 17 RENEB partners participated in the scoring inter-comparison.
• Two sets of high-resolution images, representing moderate (1.3 Gy) and high (3.5 Gy) radiation doses, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Dose estimations were satisfactory for most participants, with low coefficients of variation (17.6% moderate, 11.2% high dose).
• Controversial metaphases were identified, suitable for training purposes.
• The web-based scoring approach proved effective for inter-laboratory dose assessment.

Conclusions:

• Web-based scoring of the dicentric assay yielded very good results among RENEB partners.
• This method supports the development of a robust operational biodosimetry assistance network.
• Digital image sharing and web-based scoring enhance consistency and training in biodosimetry.