A decision support tool for evaluating the effectiveness and logistical considerations of biodosimetry methods: Comparing guidelines and new technologies for the response to a nuclear event

This paper introduces an early prototype of a decision support tool (DST) for evaluating the effectiveness and logistical considerations of biodosimetry methods. Biodosimetry methods allow the estimation of an individual's radiation exposure and facilitate the process of screening the population into treatment categories following a potential large-scale nuclear or radiological event. The DST was implemented using STELLA
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software with preliminary comparisons among six biodosimetry methods, including the current federal guidelines. Preliminary results under the model's assumptions show a great variability among methods on their efficiency for screening large numbers of potential victims. In the future, a revised version of the DST would be a useful tool for the emergency response community to evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies for preattack stockpiling and capacity building, and postattack distribution and dispensing of biodosimetry technologies.