Dose assessment intercomparisons within the RENEB network using G₀-lymphocyte prematurely condensed chromosomes (PCC...

Area of Science:

• Radiation Biology
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Genetics

Background:

• Biodosimetry is crucial for assessing radiation exposure in individuals.
• The Premature Chromosome Condensation (PCC) assay is a promising tool for rapid dose assessment.
• Harmonization and standardization are essential for reliable inter-laboratory comparisons.

Purpose of the Study:

• To harmonize, standardize, and optimize the G0-lymphocyte PCC assay for triage biodosimetry.
• To compare dose assessment capabilities among RENEB network partners.

Main Methods:

• Intercomparison of dose assessment using PCC assay among RENEB partners.
• Shipment of PCC slides and images for dose-response curve construction (up to 6 Gy gamma rays).
• Accident simulation exercises to evaluate assay speed and minimum cell requirements.

Main Results:

• Linear dose-response established with approximately 4 excess fragments/cell/Gy.
• Successful dose assessment using Giemsa staining (1 excess fragment/cell/Gy) or FISH staining for dicentrics.
• Dose assessments by RENEB partners showed good agreement when using appropriate calibration curves.

Conclusions:

• The PCC assay is a quick and reliable method for triage biodosimetry.
• Analysis of Giemsa-stained excess PCC fragments is simple, inexpensive, and amenable to automation.
• The PCC assay effectively categorizes individuals for radiation exposure triage.