Creating a new test to quickly assess radiation exposure and injury after a nuclear event
Official title: Development of FAST-DOSE assay system for the rapid assessment of acute radiation exposure, individual radiosensitivity and injury in victims for a large-scale radiological incident
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10768565 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new test called the FAST-DOSE assay that quickly checks how much radiation someone has been exposed to after a big accident, using samples like blood or urine, to help doctors make the best treatment decisions right away.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $484,150 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI148309-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10768565 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to ionizing radiation due to a nuclear or radiological incident.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or are not involved in a radiological incident may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing the FAST-DOSE assay system, which aims to rapidly assess the level of radiation exposure in individuals following a large-scale radiological incident. By analyzing human biofluids like blood, urine, and saliva within the first week after exposure, the system can provide accurate predictions of radiation dose and help in making timely medical decisions. The assay utilizes advanced imaging technology to measure specific proteins and biomarkers that indicate radiation sensitivity and injury, facilitating effective triage and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the management and treatment of individuals exposed to harmful radiation during emergencies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing biodosimetry devices, but the FAST-DOSE assay represents a novel approach with specific advancements in high-throughput analysis.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Helen C — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Turner, Helen C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gas Marble therapy to protect skin after radiation exposure
This grant tests a new gas-based treatment delivered as gas marbles to help skin recover after radiation damage.
-
A drug that helps repair DNA after radiation exposure
A new drug candidate aims to help the body repair damaged DNA after accidental or wartime radiation exposure to reduce organ injury and death.
-
Non-invasive skin biomarkers for radiation exposure
A study to find and measure skin biomarkers that indicate radiation exposure using a painless tape-stripping method on skin.
-
Restoring bone marrow blood vessels to prevent delayed radiation damage
This project aims to help people exposed to acute radiation by repairing the bone marrow’s blood vessel network to support healthier blood cell recovery over time.
-
Raman-based quick triage for radiation exposure
A new approach uses Raman spectroscopy and AI to quickly estimate radiation dose in people exposed to a radiological event, helping doctors decide who needs urgent treatment.
-
ACE2-agonist to reduce long-term radiation damage after ARS
Aims to test an ACE2-activating drug (diminazene aceturate) to lessen long-term organ damage after acute radiation exposure in adults.
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.