KSHEMA to open Biodosimetry lab, March 31

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 30, 2018: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), New Delhi, will inaugurate Karnataka’s first Biodosimetry Laboratory and Capacity building, in collaboration with Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) at Central Research Laboratory,  K S Hegde Medical Academy (KSHEMA) on March 31 at 8.45 am.

Dr A K Singh, the Director of INMAS, New Delhi, will inaugurate the laboratory.  Dr Madhu Bala president of ISRB and Dr N K Chaudhury project director at Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences will be the guest of honour.

A media note from professor Dr Suchetha Kumari N of Biochemistry department, KSHEMA, said that with the increase in use of radiation for medical, industrial, armed force and other research purposes there is an increased chance of accidental human exposure to radiation. In addition, the growing threat of nuclear terrorism increases the risk of deliberate use of radiological and nuclear materials to harm people.

In the absence of a physical dosimetry device, estimating an individual’s radiation dose requires some type of biological dosimeter.

The Biodosimetry method approved by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and WHO based on dicentric chromosomal assay (Gold standard) using peripheral blood drawn from individuals exposed to radiation. This gap can be filled by dicentric chromosomal assay.

Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences is a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation engaged in the research of basic and applied medical sciences including radio protectors and treatment modalities for the management of radiation emergencies, endocrinology, biodosimetry, drug development and strategies for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence, radiation counter measures, besides combat causality
care.

The biodosimetry laboratory helps in monitoring radiation exposure status of medical professionals and hospital staff.

Nineteen countries have established biodosimetry laboratories between 2012-2014
and are successfully networked.

In India, there are only three laboratories including Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences   and the lab at K S Hegde Medical Academy will be the  fourth.