Latin American Biological Dosimetry Network (LBDNet)

History

Objectives

The mission of LBDNet is to provide early biological dosimetry assistance during radiological emergencies in Latin America. The network's objectives are to:

• Strengthen the service capacities of existing biological dosimetry laboratories in the region;
• Support other Latin American countries without biological dosimetry laboratories;
• Collaborate cooperatively with other international networks.

Key information about the network was published in a peer reviewed journal (García et al., 2016). This publication outlines the mission, partners, concept of operation, the mechanism for requesting biological dosimetry assistance, and the network's capabilities. It also details the activation and coordination of the network during emergency responses. Historical remarks on biological dosimetry cooperation in Latin America are included. A summary and update of this information is presented below.

Management

LBDNet management is facilitated by a dedicated liaison group. While each laboratory maintains its administrative structure, the liaison group comprises permanent personnel from the member laboratories, fostering collaboration and effective communication. This structure enables the network to efficiently coordinate activities, share expertise, and uphold high standards of biological dosimetry across the region. Additionally, this group is responsible for LBDNet's interaction with the IAEA.

Liaison group contacts:

• Wilner Martínez López
• Valentina Verdejo Parada
• Julieta Fernández Rearte
• Fabio Andrés Chaves-Campos
• Omar García Lima

Membership and organization

1. Argentina – Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear (ARN).
2. Bolivia - Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA).
3. Brazil – Centro Regional para Ciencias Nucleares del Noreste (CRCN-NE/CNEN).
4. Chile – Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear (CCHEN).
5. Costa Rica – Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud de la Universidad de Costa Rica (INISA-UCR).
6. Cuba – Centro de Protección e Higiene de las Radiaciones (CPHR).
7. Ecuador – Laboratorio de Genética, Hospital de Especialidades, Carlos Andrade Marín. 
8. Mexico - Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares (ININ).
9. Paraguay - Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción (IICS-UNA).
10. Peru – Instituto Peruano de Energía Nuclear (IPEN).
11. Uruguay – Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE).
12. Venezuela – Hospital Vargas de Caracas.

Normal situations: All laboratories in the network hold the same hierarchical level and interact through training activities, intercomparison exercises and simulations involving technical, communication and organizational aspects.

Emergency situations: The network uses the activation and communication mechanisms of the national emergency response systems, benefiting from established emergency agreements in each country.

Activation of LBDNet

At the national level, the network's laboratories collaborate with the national emergency response systems. Regionally, the network can be activated by:

• IAEA Incident and Emergency Center (IEC): Under the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency.
• Bilateral agreements: Between countries within the region to facilitate timely and effective responses.

For more information visit the LBDNet website.