U.S. Department of Defense Multiple-Parameter Biodosimetry Network

The U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD) service members are at risk of exposure to ionizing radiation due to radiation accidents, terrorist attacks and national defense activities. The use of biodosimetry is a standard of care for the triage and treatment of radiation injuries. Resources and procedures need to be established to implement a multiple-parameter biodosimetry system coupled with expert medial guidance to provide an integrated radiation diagnostic system to meet USDOD requirements. Current USDOD biodosimetry capabilities were identified and recommendations to fill the identified gaps are provided. A USDOD Multi-parametric Biodosimetry Network, based on the expertise that resides at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute and the Naval Dosimetry Center, was designed. This network based on the use of multiple biodosimetry modalities would provide diagnostic and triage capabilities needed to meet USDOD requirements. These are not available with sufficient capacity elsewhere but could be needed urgently after a major radiological/nuclear event.