The harmonization process to set up and maintain an operational biological and physical retrospective dosimetry network: QA QM applied to the RENEB network

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Purpose: In the framework of the 'Realizing the European Network of Biodosimetry' (RENEB) project, two intercomparison exercises were conducted to assess the suitability of an optimized version of the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, and to evaluate the capacity of a large laboratory network performing biodosimetry for radiation emergency triages. Twelve European institutions participated in the first exercise, and four non-RENEB labs were added in the second one. Materials and methods: Irradiated blood samples were shipped to participating labs, whose task was to culture these samples and provide a blind dose estimate. Micronucleus analysis was performed by automated, semi-automated and manual procedures. Results: The dose estimates provided by network laboratories were in good agreement with true administered doses. The most accurate estimates were reported for low dose points ( 0.94 Gy). For higher dose points (! 2.7 Gy) a larger variation in estimates was observed, though in the second exercise the number of acceptable estimates increased satisfactorily. Higher accuracy was achieved with the semi-automated method. Conclusion: The results of the two exercises performed by our network demonstrate that the micronucleus assay is a useful tool for large-scale radiation emergencies, and can be successfully implemented within a large network of laboratories. ARTICLE HISTORY

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

RENEB intercomparison exercises analyzing micronuclei (Cytokinesis-block Micronucleus Assay)

Depuydt

Baeyens

Barnard

et al. 2016

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“…As such, new developments within this field which could be exploited for biodosimetry are a constant occurrence. One of the key outputs of RENEB was a quality manual which outlines a framework for quality assurance and quality management within the operational network (Gregoire et al 2016). When a new dosimetry technique is proposed, it is necessary to develop, test and then validate the method before it can be said to reach a sufficient standard for inclusion as a fully operational dosimetry method.…”

Section: Integration Of New Biological and Physical Retrospective Dosmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integration of new biological and physical retrospective dosimetry methods into EU emergency response plans – joint RENEB and EURADOS inter-laboratory comparisons

Ainsbury

Badie

Barnard

et al. 2016

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Purpose: RENEB, 'Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry and Physical Retrospective Dosimetry,' is a network for research and emergency response mutual assistance in biodosimetry within the EU. Within this extremely active network, a number of new dosimetry methods have recently been proposed or developed. There is a requirement to test and/or validate these candidate techniques and inter-comparison exercises are a well-established method for such validation. Materials and methods: The authors present details of inter-comparisons of four such new methods: dicentric chromosome analysis including telomere and centromere staining; the gene expression assay carried out in whole blood; Raman spectroscopy on blood lymphocytes, and detection of radiationinduced thermoluminescent signals in glass screens taken from mobile phones. Results: In general the results show good agreement between the laboratories and methods within the expected levels of uncertainty, and thus demonstrate that there is a lot of potential for each of the candidate techniques. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION BIOLOGY, 2017 VOL. 93, NO. 1, 99-109 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2016 Conclusions: Further work is required before the new methods can be included within the suite of reliable dosimetry methods for use by RENEB partners and others in routine and emergency response scenarios.

“…In order to ensure the accuracy and quality of the results of individual laboratories and the comparability of results between laboratories it is very important to establish a common methodology. This would need to encompass robust quality assurance and quality management procedures, as well as established, validated and documented protocols (Gregoire et al 2016). These procedures and protocols are essential in order to have good laboratory practice throughout the biological and physical dose assessment process (Voisin 2015).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After the training courses performed in other RENEB laboratories the response capability has been improved (Gregoire et al 2016, Wojcik et al 2016. Moreover, it is important to mention that the capacity of the assays increased drastically with the network and that these assays can be used, e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Capabilities of the RENEB network for research and large scale radiological and nuclear emergency situations

Gil

Vaz

Romm

et al. 2016

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The analysis of RENEB questionnaires allowed a detailed assessment of existing capacity of the RENEB network to respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies. This highlighted the key importance of international cooperation in order to guarantee an effective and timely response in the event of radiological or nuclear accidents involving a considerable number of casualties. The deployment of the scientific and technical capabilities existing within the RENEB network members seems mandatory, to help other countries with less or no capacity for biological or physical dosimetry, or countries overwhelmed in case of a radiological or nuclear accident involving a large number of individuals.