Lifetime of dicentric chromosomes for biodosimetry applications

In this study, data on the evolution of dicentric chromosomes population over time following a whole body exposure has been gathered and normalised starting from a scientific literature review. A decay curve has been established and finds applications in dose assessments based on dicentric chromosome frequencies inferred for a specified time following acute exposure. Further analysis has been done to characterise the observed variability between cases, which is an important factor to consider for error propagation. Adequate knowledge of the uncertainties is needed for appropriate interpretation, particularly when biodosimetry results may be correlated with other sources of information such as a physical dose reconstruction. It is also important for legal purposes in a worker compensation scheme.