Mobile High-Throughput Microfluidics Cytogenetic Processing for Effectively Lowering Biological Process Time and Efficient Triage During Radiation Accidents
Abstract
The advent of nuclear technology and its extensive use in almost every field has brought in a set of its own risks and benefits. With globalization and advent and advancement of technology, many small-scale radio isotope sources such as radiography cameras have become part of public domain. In addition, many research applications in various academic institutes and research and development wings of major industries have led to use of unsealed or open isotopes. Many of these institutes also use irradiator units such as gamma chambers. Use of radioisotopes and radiation-generating units such as accelerators is very extensive in medical industries as well. Accidental occupational overexposure due to lax industrial precautionary safety standards or radiation mass casualties driven by acts of terrorism or natural calamity-driven events such as the recent "Fukushima" incident ("a nuclear accident somewhere, is a nuclear accident everywhere" as stated by Alvin Weinberg) can potentially expose thousands of individuals and cause disruption of normalcy in society and bring in dire economic and health management crises. So, there are plausible circumstances where populations are potentially exposed to doses of ionizing radiation (IR) that could cause direct clinical effects within days or weeks, but there is no clear knowledge as to the magnitude of the exposure to individuals. It is likely that many of the individuals will not have received clinically significant doses of radiation, while others may have been exposed to potentially life-threatening doses. Sufficient determination followed by a classification procedure of the individuals is deemed necessary; this can be achieved by utilizing a system with applicable tools based on qualified research, so that appropriate action and medical advice can be dispensed. Cytogenetic biodosimetry is the currently accepted "gold standard" method for triage of exposed individuals to radiation. Among the various techniques utilized, the Dicentrics chromosome assay (DCA) is widely popular and accepted as the current "gold standard" cytogenetic biodosimetry assay by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Standard Organization (ISO), and other international regulatory bodies. DCA is a multi-day laboratory assay and demands specialist cytogenetic expertise for scoring dicentrics in the cells to estimate dose exposure. To make the situation worse, the logistics/shipping of samples from site of collection to target labs for analyses also take additional time (24-48+ hours). This shipping time currently being lost can be made use of in an effective way by using mobile incubation and microfluidic culture environment to provide the sample equivalent lab conditions to prepare the sample for analyses directly upon arrival at target labs vs. waiting for 48 hours more to start the biological process. Microfluidics is the method of choice for mobile incubation. The technology, when developed and applied to DCA as in this proposal, will provide first responders and medical fraternity a better triage tool for radiation mass-casualty incidents. The platform will save time and enhance the speed of biological processing for DCA. This will also provide a platform and gateway for further development of other likewise cytogenetic assays that can be used for military medical operations and address the needs/demands during any accidental or intentional radiation exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2017
- Source ID
- W81XWH1520076
Entities
People
- Adarsh Ramakumar
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- United States Army