RENEB Inter-Laboratory comparison 2017: limits and pitfalls of ILCs

Area of Science:

• Radiological protection
• Radiation biology
• Biodosimetry

Background:

• Networking biodosimetry laboratories is crucial for managing mass-casualty radiological events.
• Inter-laboratory comparisons (ILCs) are essential for harmonizing results and ensuring consistency.
• Previous projects like MULTIBIODOSE and RENEB have advanced European laboratory harmonization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a large-scale inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) involving 38 laboratories from 21 countries.
• To monitor all steps of the biodosimetry process, from blood shipment to dose estimation.
• To evaluate the statistical tools used for comparing laboratory performance.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples were irradiated at three doses (1.8, 0.4, and 0 Gy) using 4-MV X-rays.
• Samples were distributed to participating laboratories for blind analysis.
• Laboratories analyzed 500 cells per sample, reporting dicentric chromosome frequencies and estimated doses.

Main Results:

• Successful worldwide distribution of irradiated blood samples for biodosimetry was demonstrated.
• Existing statistical tools (Z- and U-tests) are inadequate for large ILCs with 500 cells/sample.
• Dose-effect curve diversity and lack of robustness criteria pose challenges for laboratory performance evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Development of improved statistical tools is necessary for processing large ILC results.
• Further optimization of laboratory networks and associated ILCs is needed for enhanced biodosimetry capabilities.
• Harmonization efforts within networks like RENEB are progressing towards better biodosimetry response.