Chromosomal aberrations, an indicator of radiation exposure

Since October 1982, the Institute of Radiation Hygiene of the Federal Office of Health has been charged with the task of carrying out central chromosomal analyses in order to centralize biological dosimetry in West Germany. The types and incidence of radiation-induced chromosomal aberrations are gone into. The methods applied for establishing calibration curves of the ratio of energy dose to incidence of dicentric chromosomes are demonstrated as the method applied for chromosomal analysis. The assessment of radiation exposure from these data, as well as the statistical error, are outlined. By November 30, 1985, 95 persons exposed to radiation, or assumed to have been exposed, had been tested for chromosomal aberrations. The practical importance of chromosomal analysis is demonstrated for these cases. (MG)