The Radiological Emergency Response Biodosimetry Laboratory
Radiation incidents, radiological or nuclear in nature, may generate few or mass casualties with radiation injury. Based on detection of radiation-specific chromosomal alterations (dicentric analysis) in blood cells, biodosimetry contributes valuable clinical information for forecasting patient outcomes and formulating therapeutic strategies to treat patients with radiation injuries.
The Radiological Emergency Response Biodosimetry Laboratory was developed by the Center in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The Laboratory employs dicentric analysis to test for and determine radiation exposure levels in individuals of accidental or intentional radiation incidents.
The Laboratory can assist local, national and regional territories with the following services:
- Dicentric analysis for potentially radiation-exposed and contaminated persons
- Assistance to general practitioners and Emergency Department clinicians regarding clinical diagnosis and treatment during small- to large-scale incidents associated with radiation exposure
- Educational material with sufficient background and perspective to make elaborate radiation concepts understandable to those without formal radiation medicine expertise
The Laboratory is also invested in testing and developing innovative methodologies for calculating individual radiation dose to increase the screening of samples in the event of a radiation incident involving mass casualties. As one of only few biodosimetry laboratories in the nation, focusing on biological dosimetry, the Radiological Emergency Response Biodosimetry Laboratory is a leader in evaluating and managing the health risks of radiation exposure.
