Operational consistency of medical linear accelerators manufactured and commissioned in series. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Callistus M.; Baydush, Alan H.; Ververs, James D.; Isom, Scott; Able, Charles M.; Munley, Michael T.
• Is Part Of: Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology. Volume 7(2018)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Statistical process control -- Medical linear accelerator -- Performance -- Quality assurance; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Patients -- Hospital care -- Periodicals; 615.842
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2018.05.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-6324

Abstract

Highlights: Statistical Process Control metrics can assess linac operational performance. Linacs produced in series have statistically different operating parameters. Although having different operating parameters, linacs have similar performance. Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if medical linear accelerators (linac) produced by the same manufacturer exhibit operational consistency within their subsystems and components. Two linacs that were commissioned together and installed at the same facility were monitored. Each machine delivered a daily robust quality assurance (QA) irradiation. Linacs and their components operate consistently, but have different operational parameter levels even when produced by the same manufacturer and commissioned in series. These findings have implications on the feasibility of true clinical beam matching.