Biodose Tools updates for criticality accidents and interlaboratory comparisons

TL;DR

Biodose Tools 3.7.1 enhances biological dosimetry by adding modules for large-scale emergency responses, including criticality accident dose estimation and interlaboratory comparisons, supporting rapid and standardized dose assessments.

Contribution

The update introduces new functionalities for criticality accidents and interlaboratory comparisons, improving emergency response capabilities in biological dosimetry.

Findings

New modules for criticality accident dose estimation

Enhanced dose assessment for various exposure scenarios

Automated interlaboratory comparison feature

Abstract

Purpose: Since its initial release, the aim of Biodose Tools was to offer an easy-to-use platform to perform the mathematical calculations needed in biological dosimetry. This update 3.7.1, mainly focuses on new features related to large-scale emergency responses, like criticality accidents dose estimation and laboratory networks. Material and Methods: Biodose Tools has been developed using the R programming language. The current version (3.7.1) uses the same external dependencies as version 3.6.1 (released November 2022) while integrating three new external packages to support the new functionalities. Results: Version 3.7.1 introduces different new modules: (a) a characteristic limits module that calculates decision thresholds and detection limits following ISO19238:2023 standards, and offers statistical tests to compare rates between suspected exposure cases and control data; (b) an enhanced dose estimation module which supports multiple dose assessments for dicentric and translocation assays for various exposure scenarios (acute, protracted, and highly protracted) as well as whole and partial-body exposures; (c) a criticality accidents module for multiple dose estimations using dicentrics in mixed gamma-neutron exposure scenarios (e.g., nuclear detonations); and (d) an Interlaboratory comparison module that automates the evaluation and comparison of dose estimates across laboratories. Conclusions: Biodose Tools (biodosetools.reneb.bfs.de) continues to evolve in response to the dynamic needs of the biological dosimetry community, contributing to the preparedness and consistency in emergency response and routine applications.