Establishment and validation of a dose–response curve for semi-automated analysis of dicentric chromosomes induced by 60Co γ-rays

The dicentric chromosome assay serves as the “gold standard” for biodosimetry, playing a crucial role in rapid clinical decision-making during extensive nuclear radiation incidents. This study aimed to develop a semi-automated dose–response curve for the analysis of dicentric chromosomes induced by irradiation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes with 60Co gamma rays. Blood samples were collected from three healthy donors and subjected to irradiation, culture, and harvesting, following International Atomic Energy Agency standard protocols. The Metafer4 system, an automatic scoring system, was utilized to acquire images of the metaphase chromosome segregation phase, and the dose–response curve was constructed through automatic analysis of dicentric chromosomes supplemented by manual verification. The curve was subsequently validated through blind scoring. The results demonstrated that the semi-automated scoring method provides quick and precise dose estimations and offers a viable alternative to manual dicentric chromosome assay. This approach holds significant potential for application in the nuclear emergency management of large-scale radiological events.