Discovery of Noninvasive Biomarkers for Radiation Exposure via LC-MS-Based Hair Metabolomics.

Ionizing radiation exposure from a potential nuclear energy plant leak or detonation of a nuclear weapon can cause massive casualties to both warfighters and civilians. RNA, proteins, and metabolite biomarkers in biological specimens like blood and tissue have shown potential to determine radiation dose levels. However, these biomarkers in blood and urine are short-lived, typically detectable within hours or a few days.