Measurements of individuals

If a radiological or nuclear emergency in Germany or abroad results in the release of significant quantities of radioactive material, it may be necessary to examine affected individuals in order to determine whether they have incorporated radioactive substances into their body or been exposed to increased levels of radiation.

Emergency care centres advise those affected

In an emergency, the federal states set up emergency care centres in the affected areas. Affected individuals can register and obtain advice at these centres.

Among other things, the staff at the emergency care centres estimate whether a person has been exposed to the released radiation and, if so, what dose they have received. Depending on the estimated dose, the emergency care centres may then refer affected individuals for more detailed testing at a specialised laboratory for incorporation monitoring.

BfS laboratories for incorporation monitoring

The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) operates laboratories for incorporation monitoring at its branches in Berlin (Karlshorst) and Munich (Neuherberg). Here, a whole-body counter can be used to detect radionuclides incorporated into the body.

Examination in the whole body counter of the BfS

In total, there are some 20 laboratories for incorporation monitoring in Germany. The laboratories are funded by authorities, research centres, universities, hospitals and industry, as well as by the BfS. Such laboratories normally monitor incorporation in individuals who have been occupationally exposed to radiation, such as staff at nuclear power stations. However, they can also be called upon in radiological emergencies to monitor incorporation in the general population.

Biological dosimetry at the BfS

Whether an individual has been exposed to radiation and how high the individual dose was can also be estimated based on so-called biological indicators using biological dosimetry, a technique that examines specific cells in the body for changes. Ionising radiation can lead to biological changes in the genetic material, and these can be detected as chromosome changes in white blood cells, for example.

At its branch in Munich (Neuherberg), the BfS operates a cytogenetic laboratory that performs biological dosimetry. As the capacity of a single laboratory is insufficient in the event of a major radiation accident, the resources of competent laboratories in Europe are pooled within a network known as RENEB (Running the European Network of biological dosimetry and retrospective physical dosimetry e.V.). For this, a total of 26 participating organisations from 16 European countries have declared their willingness to provide each other with mutual assistance in the event of a major radiation accident