BOOSTER

BiO-dOSimetric Tools for triagE to Responders

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The effective management of an incident involving exposure of large numbers of people to radioactive material, whether accidental or following malevolent use of radioactivity, requires a mechanism for rapid triage of exposed persons. The BOOSTER project addresses this requirement under Security Topic SEC-2009-4.3.2 – Bio-dosimetric tools to manage radiological casualties. Current biodosimetric approaches frequently involve cytogenetics. The analysis of dicentric/ ring chromosomes is the mechanism of choice for precise estimation of an individual’s exposure. Current optimisation of such analyses involves the automation of various steps in the process. However, chromosome analyses are performed on the first mitosis post-exposure and thus a significant limiting factor remains a cell culture step (2 days) that is impossible to reduce. New biodosimeters are required that may not bring the same precision as cytogenetic analysis but will permit triage in the first hours post-accident into three populations (i.e. to identify individuals that require no further intervention, those who require close follow-up and those who require hospitalisation). BOOSTER is a capability project designed to research and develop new bio-dosimetric tools in order to quickly evaluate the level of potential casualties, determine by appropriate sensors their consequences, allow an efficient triage of exposed people, integrate a useful and usable toolbox, train civil protection operators and define commercial exploitation potentialities. The BOOSTER project will use an integrated approach to deliver new bio-dosimetric tools. We propose to optimise existing tools for assessment of a radiological situation and to develop novel biodosimetric procedures for estimation of radiation exposure in cells from patients. These approaches will be combined in a prognostic toolkit that will allow effective management of exposed persons presenting at triage.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A new tool for in-field analysis following a nuclear radiation incident can rapidly provide information on potential casualties and the overall contamination. An EU initiative developed a device to reduce the impact of a radiological emergency.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Whether an intentional malicious act or an accident, risks of radiological exposure have frightened people for decades. Finding a way to understand the magnitude of a nuclear radiation accident could help in developing measures for prompt action and its containment.

With EU funding, the 'Bio-dosimetric tools for triage to responders' (http://www.booster-project.org (BOOSTER)) project set out to design a portable toolbox that can be easily deployed at the accident site to measure the extent of radiation contamination. The overall objective was to measure contaminating radioactive particles that are deposited on the skin, inhaled or ingested.

The consortium initially evaluated the radiological situation through real-time radiological measurements by dose-rate-meters, gamma camera for hot spot location and subsequently identified the radionuclides using specialised detectors and sensors. With respect to casualties, the device should also be able to identify those requiring immediate treatment. To this end, the team members developed new biodosimetric tools and integrated them with spectrometry techniques to characterise radiation exposure.

All the sensors were then integrated into the toolbox and combined with existing crisis management software that can be used by first responders on site and in the command and control centres. In this way, operators can take full advantage of a centrally installed online decision-support system to go along with the toolbox.

Lastly, a terrorist attack demonstration exercise in Hungary successfully tested the validity of the radiation dose assessment system.

BOOSTER introduced emergency services to an integrated mobile solution that will help them quickly distinguish casualties after a radiological incident and determine further intervention. The system functionalities optimise crisis management following accidental or deliberate nuclear events that should help society overcome its anxiety.