Use of radiation induced chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes as a biological dosimeter is questionable.

Using dicentric chromosomes and acentric fragments as indicators of radiation sensitivity, a study has been performed on human lymphocyte chromosomes by irradiating peripheral blood cells at G0. Donor-to-donor variation has been noticed regarding radiation sensitivity even when metaphase spreads were scored at the first cell cycle. Thus, it appears that, at the present state, use of chromosomal damage in peripheral blood cell cultures as an effective biological dosimeter for effects of radiation is questionable.