Multidisciplinary Biodosimetric Tools for a Large-scale Radiological Emergency – the MULTIBIODOSE Project

Abstract

Large scale radiological emergencies pose a particular problem for emergency preparedness because of potentially large numbers of worried well and the necessity to carry out triage in a timely manner. Here, an indispensable tool is biological dosimetry. Although a number of biodosimetric tools exist, not many have been tested and adapted for a large scale emergency scenario. In the framework of an EU-funded project MULTIBIODOSE we tested a variety of biodosimetric tools and adapted them to different mass casualty scenarios. The assays were chosen because they complement each other with respect to sensitivity, specificity to radiation and the exposure scenario, as well as speed of performance. The project was completed in April 2013. Its major conclusions are presented.