Monitoring DNA damage following radiation exposure using cytokinesis-block micronucleus method and alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis.

The structure of DNA can be damaged as a result of exposure to ionizing radiation. Determining the frequency of chromosome aberrations is a well-known method to estimate the dose of radiation received in acute and chronic exposures. In the past few years, cytogenetic analysis has benefited from the development of new techniques, such as the micronucleus (MN) and comet assays, which provide additional information concerning repair capacity after exposure. The present article discusses the use of peripheral blood lymphocytes for the assessment of populations exposed to ionizing radiation. Also discussed are individual factors that interfere with the frequency of mutations and their impact in the selection of control individuals for the monitoring of radiation exposure and in the interpretation of results.