A portable device to measure radiation dose and exposure uniformity after a large radiation event
Official title: A Unique Device to Measure Radiation Dose and Homogeneity of Exposure Following a Large-Scale Ionizing Radiation Event
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11552312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A field-ready, nail-based device uses advanced spectroscopy and smart software to quickly estimate how much radiation a person has received and how evenly they were exposed, within minutes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $116,764 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AI189427-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals exposed to a radiological or nuclear incident who may need dose assessment and triage.
✕Less likely to help
People not exposed to radiation or for whom the device is not applicable might not benefit from this tool.
What this research studies
In an emergency, this device will let responders measure radiation dose non-invasively by analyzing nail tissue with EPR technology. It will use a lightweight spectrometer, novel probe designs, and fast signal processing to deliver an accurate dose reading (0–10 Gy within ±0.5 Gy) and assess dose homogeneity from nails in about five minutes. The system includes user-friendly software and a neural network to help non-experts operate the device and interpret results for triage decisions. The project combines engineering development with real-world testing to provide a practical biodosimetry tool for radiological incidents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients and responders could receive rapid, reliable dose information to guide treatment and triage.
How similar studies have gone: Prior biodosimetry approaches exist, but this project aims to deliver a faster, non-invasive and field-ready solution with improved accuracy.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sidabras, Jason W — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Sidabras, Jason W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.