Guide for quality control and safety in clinical use linear accelerators
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37004/sefm/2024.25.1.007Keywords:
Radiotherapy, linear accelerator, quality control, risk analysis, statistical process controlAbstract
The main objective of this document has been to establish a guide for the design of the quality control program in linear accelerators (CCAL) with isocentric assembly, incorporating the approaches of statistical process control (CEP) and risk analysis. Throughout the text, it is emphasized that the guide is not prescriptive, and adaptation to the specific needs of each center is encouraged.
A brief description of the recommended tests is presented. A set of fundamental parameters and complementary ones are suggested, taking into account the results obtained from a survey of SEFM members, as well as proposals from other scientific societies, manufacturer comments, and consensus from this working group. Frequency and tolerance recommendations are provided for representative accelerators as a reference.
The appendices address functional aspects of the linear accelerator and its relationship with the fundamental tests of the CCAL program. Additionally, a practical example of CEP applied to the variable of absorbed dose per monitor unit is provided. Manufacturers, dosimetric material suppliers, and managers are also encouraged to use this guide as a reference to collaborate in maintaining equipment at the optimal level of quality and safety required.
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