Collaborative activities in a biological dosimetry network for radiation emergencies in South Korea

Purpose: Biological dosimetry is an essential analytic method to estimate the absorbed radiation dose in the human body by measuring changes in biomolecules after radiation exposure. Joint response in a network to mass-casualty radiation incidents is one way to overcome the limitations of biological dosimetry, sharing the workload among laboratories. This study aimed to investigate the current performance, collaborative activities and technical advances of the Korea biodosimetry network (K-BioDos), and suggest the future directions toward successful joint response.

Materials and methods: A survey was performed to investigate the capacities of each laboratory and their expectations for the K-BioDos network. We summarized the capacities, expectations and technical advances of K-BioDos members. Based on the results, in-depth discussion was carried out to determine the future plan and activities of K-BioDos.

Results: K-BioDos has grown to six laboratories since its establishment with three functional laboratories of biological dosimetry in South Korea. We constructed long-term strategy according the survey results, and performed various activities for enhanced biological dosimetry capabilities - including intercomparison exercises, education, and resource sharing. Through these active collaborations we achieved harmonization of biodosimetry protocols and technical improvement such as better image quality.

Conclusions: K-BioDos network performed various activities for joint response and constructed long-term plans, considering the expectations and feedbacks of members. K-BioDos continue to support members to establish and develop biodosimetry tools. These efforts and findings could serve as a fundamental guide for coordinated network responses in the event of large-scale radiological disaster.