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RENEB Inter-Laboratory Comparison 2021: The Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Assay
A Vral1, D Endesfelder2, J Balázs3
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Radiobiology Research Unit, Universiteit Gent, Gent, Belgium.
Radiation Research
|April 14, 2023
Summary
The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay effectively classified radiation doses in 88% of cases during a large-scale emergency simulation. Semi-automated scoring demonstrated the highest accuracy and reliability for rapid biodosimetry in radiation accidents.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Biology
- Cytogenetics
- Biodosimetry
Background:
- Large-scale radiation accidents necessitate rapid biodosimetry for effective triage and medical management.
- Inter-laboratory comparisons are crucial for validating biodosimetric assays under simulated emergency conditions.
- The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is a key cytogenetic method for assessing radiation exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in a simulated large-scale radiation accident scenario.
- To assess the accuracy and reliability of dose estimations using different scoring modes (manual, semi-automated, automated) in triage biodosimetry.
- To determine the effectiveness of the micronucleus assay in classifying radiation doses into clinically relevant triage categories.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen laboratories participated in an inter-laboratory comparison exercise using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay.
- Test samples were exposed to blinded doses of X-rays (0, 1.2, and 3.5 Gy) and analyzed in triage mode.
- Dose estimations were performed by scoring binucleated cells (500 manually, 1000 automated/semi-automated) and comparing results to calibration curves.
Main Results:
- The micronucleus assay correctly classified samples into clinical triage categories (low, medium, high dose) in 88% of cases.
- Semi-automated scoring achieved 100% accuracy in classification and excellent inter-laboratory agreement (Fleiss' kappa = 100%).
- Manual scoring showed 73% correct classification into dose intervals, while automated scoring was less reliable (67% correct classification, Fleiss' kappa = 53%). A systematic shift towards higher dose estimations was observed for irradiated samples.
Conclusions:
- The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay is a reliable method for rapid biodosimetry in radiation emergencies.
- Semi-automated scoring offers the highest accuracy and reliability, followed by manual scoring, for triage biodosimetry.
- Reducing manually scored cells to 200 binucleated cells can maintain the accuracy of the rapid triage modality.
