Addressing major issues regarding the roles of biodosimetry in responding to a major nuclear incident: report of EPR BioDose 2024 roundtable discussion

The roundtable discussion at EPR BioDose 2024 focused on identifying challenges for using biodosimetry in a large nuclear incident and exploring potential solutions to strengthen preparedness and response frameworks. This report outlines the major themes discussed, including advancements in techniques, challenges in scaling operations, and the future of biodosimetry in emergency response. Initiated by International Association of Biological and EPR Radiation Dosimetry (IABERD), a group of experts comprised of professionals in academia, government and other agencies, were asked to discuss the question: 'When and how should biodosimetry be used for an unplanned radiation explosion in the short or long term?' This question challenged participants to consider a range of scenarios, from immediate triage in the aftermath of an incident to long-term health monitoring and risk assessment. Panelists acknowledged that, while biodosimetry plays a crucial role in rapidly assessing exposure levels to guide medical response, its practical implementation can vary based on scale, resources, and timing. They emphasized that in the short term, methods that provide quick, large-scale screening are important, whereas long-term strategies might include more detailed biological assessments to understand cumulative effects and potential health risks. Despite the difficulty of a one-size-fits-all approach, the insights gathered aimed to inform strategies that balance speed, accuracy, and sustainability in biodosimetry practices. Finally, panelists emphasized the need for better communication about preparedness with the general public and healthcare providers, and a more collaborative approach that also takes into account evaluating the practicality of various methods for triage or guiding treatment.