[ RadSafe ] "Dirty Bomb" Treatment Technology Developed in U.K.

[Garner, William H]

"Dirty Bomb" Treatment Technology Developed in U.K.
Monday, Sept. 14, 2009
 
New technology developed in the United Kingdom could enable doctors to more quickly treat a large number of people following exposure to a radiological "dirty bomb," the London Independent reported yesterday (see GSN, Nov. 14, 2007).

Scientists have created a suitcase-sized device that needs only a short amount of time to determine the level of cellular damage a person is suffering following exposure to radiation. The system, set to be publicly unveiled this week, could allow for hundreds of people to be tested in a period of hours.

Existing systems require blood to be drawn from potential victims and then extensively tested. No more than 100 samples could be tested each week at British laboratories, analysts say.

"If there was a major radiological or nuclear event the hospitals in this country could be overwhelmed," said Kai Rothkamm, an official with the British Health Protection Agency.

The new device could test 30 samples each hour (Nina Lakhani, London Independent, Sept. 13).


William H. Garner 
University Of Kentucky 
Radiation Safety Department 
110 Dimock Animal Pathology 
Lexington, KY  40506-0076 
Office Phone (859)323-1009 
Cell Phone (859)967-4296 
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