Abstract
Both immediately after a large-scale radiological event, or in support of longer-term epidemiological studies after an event such as at Fukushima, there is a pressing need for ultra-high throughput biodosimetry. A logical approach to achieve this is complete automation of standard biodosimetric assays that are currently performed manually. We will discuss progress to date on the RABiT (Rapid Automated Biodosimetry Tool), designed to score micronuclei, gamma-H2AX fluorescence, and other related endpoints in lymphocytes derived from a single drop of blood from a fingerstick. The RABiT is designed to be completely automated, from the input of the capillary blood sample into the machine to the output of a dose estimate, and to cover a wide dose range. Improvements in throughput are achieved through use of a single drop of blood, optimization of the biological protocols for in situ analysis in filter-bottomed multi-well plates, implementation of robotic-plate and liquid handling, and new developments in high-speed imaging. The current RABiT potentially provides up to a 30,000 sample per day throughput. Automating well-established bioassays represents a promising approach to high-throughput radiation biodosimetry, both because high throughputs can be achieved, but also because the time to deployment is potentially much shorter than for a new biological assay. We will describe the ongoing development of the RABiT, current work on overall calibration and validation, as well as the infrastructure that would be required for its implementation.
Garty G, Chen Y, Salerno A, Turner H, Zhang J, Lyulko O, Bertucci A, Xu Y, Wang H, Simaan N, Randers-Pehrson G, Yao YL, Amundson SA, Brenner DJ. The RABIT: a rapid automated biodosimetry tool for radiological triage. Health Phys. 98:209-217 (2010)
