Micronuclei in human lymphocytes as a biological dosemeter. Preliminary data following beta irradiation in vitro

Abstract

The cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus technique has the potential of being a simple method of biological dosimetry for the rapid screening of individuals following large scale radiation accidents and for the assessment of suspected radiation over exposures. This technique was used to study the induction of micronuclei in human lymphocytes following irradiation in vitro by strontium/yttrium-90 beta rays. The lymphocytes were obtained from eight individuals aged between 23 and 57 years. The wide variation in dose-response for this limited sample suggests that this technique requires prior routine measurements on unirradiated personnel if the sensitivity of the technique is to be maximised. Beta irradiation in vitro appears to be less effective at inducing micronuclei than X-rays.