Table 3. Important Characteristics for biodosimetry methods to be used after an IND incident.

Characteristic	Reason
Simple sample collection method	Requires fewer specially trained personnel
Field-readiness	Samples can be run on site, little sample preparation required
Short time to result	Results can be used to guide treatment more quickly
High-capacity	A large number of samples can be run on one instrument
Time to result	Medical care can begin earlier with a fast time to result
Dual-utility	Method in routine use, return on investment, personnel will be trained and used to performing test
Method standardization	Ease of comparing results across laboratories, systematic training
Specificity for radiation	Low background signal, not affected by confounders such as inflammation or infection
Low inter-individual variation	Baseline would not need to be determined for each segment of the population (e.g. age, gender)
Low intra-individual variation	Decreased need for repeated tests, test not confounded by infection or other medical treatments
Low uncertainty in the result	Decreased need for repeated tests
Stable output signal	Increases the amount of time the assay can be used
Inexpensive sample processing	Number of tests required will be large and cost will add up quickly