Biological dosimetry of ionizing radiation by chromosomal aberration analysis

Biological dosimetry consists of estimating absorbed doses for people exposed to radiation by mean biological methods. Several indicators used are based in haemathological, biochemical, and cytogenetic data, although nowadays without doubt, the cytogenetic method is considered to be the most reliable. In this case, the study of chromosomal aberrations, normally dicentric chromosomes, in peripheral lymphocytes can be related to absorbed dose through an experimental calibration curve. An experimental dose-response curve using dicentric chromosomes analysis, X-rays at 300 kVp, 114 rad/min and temperature 37oC has been produced. Experimental data is fitted to model Y = α+β1D+β2D2, where Y is the number of dicentrics per cell and D the dose. The curve is compared with those produced elsewhere. (Author)