Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Develop a high-throughput, fully automated workflow for dicentric chromosome and micronucleus assays to enable rapid, accurate radiation dose estimation in radiological or nuclear emergencies. METHODS: Blood from four healthy donors was irradiated (0-5.00 Gy, (137)Cs γ-rays), repaired for 2 h at 37°C, and processed via an integrated platform (Chromprep + Metafer 4 + LS-CAS). Dicentric chromosomes (per 100 cells) and micronucleus (per 1,000 cells) were automatically scored. Dose-response data fitted to a quadratic model and validated using blinded samples with 95% confidence intervals accounting for Poisson statistics and curve uncertainty. RESULTS: The automated dose-response curves for chromosome aberrations and micronuclei are y=8.4642x(2)-3.7786x+1.5439 and y=23.348x(2)+60.469x-1.6856, respectively. Calibration curves showed excellent fit (R (2)=0.997 fordicentric chromosome; R (2)=0.996 formicronucleus). All validation doses fell within estimated confidence intervals. The system achieved end-to-end automation with minimal human intervention while maintaining high accuracy and reproducibility. CONCLUSION: This workflow provides a standardized, scalable, and reliable solution for rapid biodosimetry in mass-casualty radiological incidents, effectively bridging laboratory capacity and real-world emergency response needs.