Chromosome aberrations as a means to determine occupational exposure: an alternative

The biological basis, rationale, methodology, and results obtained from a laboratory test to identify chromosome aberrations has been described. The limited in vivo use of the method for measuring ionizing radiation exposure to patients, and the results obtained in these studies, have been presented and discussed. A protocol to use the method in an unique and specific application not yet fully explored, namely for the purpose of evaluating the biological effects of occupational radiation exposure of radiologic technologists, is proposed and advocated. The theory is advanced that this method of determining occupational radiation exposure may prove superior to personnel monitoring methods now employed.