Established and Emerging Methods of Biological Dosimetry

This chapter describes the currently deployed and newly emerging assays available for assessing doses to individuals or groups following excessive exposure to ionizing radiation. Chromosomal damage assays are the most established techniques, and some have been used for many years. Newer methods are being incorporated from advances in research on highlighting DNA breaks, gene mutations, and metabolomic markers. In addition, physical measurements of persistent induced free electrons and radicals can be made on objects carried by irradiated persons and on some biological materials.