December 23, 2010 Journal article Open Access

Review of retrospective dosimetry techniques for external ionising radiation exposures

Ivan Veronese; Maria Brai; Maria Brai; Caroline A. Whitehouse; Clemens Woda; Virgilio Correcher; P. Voisin; Maurizio Marrale; Maurizio Marrale; Joan Francesc Barquinero; Gaëtan Gruel; Elizabeth A. Ainsbury; Elena Bakhanova; Vadim V. Chumak; Anna Longo; Anna Longo; Firouz Darroudi; Albrecht Wieser; Paola Fattibene; Paola Fattibene; Anne Vral; J. Pajic; Kai Rothkamm; François Trompier; Ulrike Kulka; Ursula Oestreicher; Horst Romm; I. Guclu; David Lloyd; Alicja Jaworska; Carita Lindholm; Simon Horn; O. Monteiro Gil; B. Rakic; Andrzej Wojcik

The current focus on networking and mutual assistance in the management of radiation accidents or incidents has demonstrated the importance of a joined-up approach in physical and biological dosimetry. To this end, the European Radiation Dosimetry Working Group 10 on 'Retrospective Dosimetry' has been set up by individuals from a wide range of disciplines across Europe. Here, established and emerging dosimetry methods are reviewed, which can be used immediately and retrospectively following external ionising radiation exposure. Endpoints and assays include dicentrics, translocations, premature chromosome condensation, micronuclei, somatic mutations, gene expression, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence, neutron activation, haematology, protein biomarkers and analytical dose reconstruction. Individual characteristics of these techniques, their limitations and potential for further development are reviewed, and their usefulness in specific exposure scenarios is discussed. Whilst no single technique fulfils the criteria of an ideal dosemeter, an integrated approach using multiple techniques tailored to the exposure scenario can cover most requirements. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.