What We Have Learned from RENEB Inter-Laboratory Comparisons Since 2012 With Focus on ILC 2021

Area of Science:

• Radiation Biology
• Dosimetry
• Nuclear Safety

Background:

• Inter-laboratory exercises are crucial for the European network for biological dosimetry and physical retrospective dosimetry (RENEB).
• These exercises ensure high-quality dose estimations for radiological or nuclear events.
• Past comparisons have assessed various biological dosimetry assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of past RENEB inter-laboratory comparisons for biological dosimetry assays.
• To summarize challenges and lessons learned from the RENEB inter-laboratory comparison 2021.
• To compare and discuss dose estimates from RENEB comparisons since 2013 for the dicentric chromosome assay.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical RENEB inter-laboratory comparison data.
• Analysis of results from the 2021 RENEB inter-laboratory comparison.
• Comparative analysis of dose estimates from the dicentric chromosome assay across multiple RENEB exercises.

Main Results:

• The 2021 RENEB inter-laboratory comparison provided insights into current laboratory performance.
• Historical data reveal trends and areas for improvement in biological dosimetry.
• The dicentric chromosome assay remains a key, well-established method for dose estimation.

Conclusions:

• RENEB inter-laboratory exercises are vital for maintaining and enhancing the quality of biological dosimetry.
• Lessons learned from the 2021 comparison and historical data inform future network operations.
• Continuous validation of assays like the dicentric chromosome assay is essential for reliable dose assessment in emergencies.