Biomedical rationale for cytogenetic dosimetry.

The purpose of this presentation is to initiate the discussions of automated analysis of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations with a consideration of the possible biomedical benefits to be achieved by its successful accomplishment. Biological indicators of radiation effect are considered. The biomedical indications for and usefulness of cytogenetic dosimetry are described, based on past experiences and potential applications of the developing technology. The implications of this methodology for both individual and population risk assessment are discussed. Both past experiences and potential applications are considered, with examples, including clinically significant radiation accidents involving radiation workers and members of the public; public health applications in the screening and monitoring of actually and potentially exposed population groups; occupational surveillance of special worker subsets and of the general radiation worker population; and scientific usage in epidemiologic studies and laboratory investigations.