Table 4.
Selected methods for estimating radiation dose.7
| Dosimetry | Method | Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Biological | Whole-body counting | Generally not available |
| Chromosomal aberrations (dicentrics, ring forms) | The “gold standard.” Requires 4–5 days of processing time. | |
| Lymphocyte depletion kinetics | Not expensive but requires 2–4 days for decline at doses of 4–6 Gy and 4–6 days at 2–4 Gy | |
| Interphase aberrations | Under development | |
| Clinical | Symptoms and signs | Practical but sensitivity is lost at low doses. |
Adapted from: Dainiak N, Waselenko JK, Armitage JO, MacVittie TJ, Farese AM. The Hematologist and Radiation Casualties. Hematology 2003 2003:473–496; doi:10.1182/asheducation-2003.1.473. available from http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/content/2003/1/473.full.pdf+html. Table No. 3. Selected methods for estimating radiation dose. p 478.