Which biomarker can be used to determine the amount of neutron radiation a person was exposed to after a criticality event?
A ratio of Sodium (Na) 24 to Na 23 can be measured from blood plasma. The ratio can then be used to determine a received dose of neutron radiation if the time of exposure is known. Na 24 does not normally exist in the body but is created from Na 23 when a human is exposed to neutron radiation after a criticality event. Na 24 has a half life of 15 hours so samples must be taken and mobilized quickly for accurate determinations.
Feng, Y., et al. “Determination of neutron dose from criticality accidents with bioassays for sodium-24 in blood and phosphorus-32 in hair.” (1993).
Contributed by Adiel Aizenberg, MD
Posted in Question Of The Day