Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for Biodosimetry Tools Employed in Operational Environments

Abstract

It is essential to identify improved capabilities to accurately identify, confirm, and/or quantify radiological exposure and injury in order to inform critical triage, diagnosis, and treatment decisions. Herein the authors report characteristic requirements and potential Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) for biodosimetry tools employed in operational environments. While similar significant efforts have been completed in this area for the U.S. civilian sector, limited perspectives are published in the peer-reviewed literature regarding the use of radiological diagnostic technologies in deployed military medical treatment settings. Two radiological exposure scenarios were developed to clarify the diagnostic performance criteria and identify capability gaps. The emerging technology areas associated with radiation exposure diagnostics were reviewed and assessed to gauge their suitability in supporting triage, treatment, and return to duty decisions within the military medical support system.