RABiT-II-DCA: A Fully-automated Dicentric Chromosome Assay in Multiwell Plates

Radiat Res. 2019 Sep;192(3):311-323. doi: 10.1667/RR15266.1. Epub 2019 Jul 11.

Abstract

We developed a fully-automated dicentric chromosome assay (DCA) in multiwell plates. All operations, from sample loading to chromosome scoring, are performed, without human intervention, by the second-generation Rapid Automated Biodosimetry Tool II (RABiT-II) robotic system, a plate imager and custom software, FluorQuantDic. The system requires small volumes of blood (30 µl per individual) to determine radiation dose received as a result of a radiation accident or terrorist attack. To visualize dicentrics in multiwell plates, we implemented a non-classical protocol for centromere FISH staining at 37°C. The RABiT-II performs rapid analysis of chromosomes after extracting them from metaphase cells. With the use of multiwell plates, many samples can be screened at the same time. Thus, the RABiT-II DCA provides an advantage during triage when risk-based stratification and medical management are required for a large population exposed to unknown levels of ionizing radiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Automation
  • Chromosome Aberrations / radiation effects*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Radioactive Hazard Release
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Robotics