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^® 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.