engleski

Survey of equipment quality control in radiotherapy centers in Croatia: First results

Implementation of advanced radiation therapy techniques into clinical practice has a paramount influence on better tumour control and normal tissue sparing. Existence of quality control (QC) protocols for every part of radiotherapy process has important role in that. Protocols enforcement is crucial for detecting errors and it's instant remedy. This enlarges probability of desired outcome of radiation treatment and assures patient radiation safety. Mille stone of radiotherapy quality assurance programme is machine QC. As a part of the IAEA granted projects CRO6008 and RER9093, we surveyed existence of equipment QC protocols. The survey showed that QC tests were performed in all centres in Croatia but variations between institutions were found. Also written protocols were rarely present. Reviewing of QC practices and exchanging experience could help in evolving protocol for QC procedures at national level. As a first step we defined set of tests to check different parameters of linear accelerators and simulators in radiotherapy centers in Croatia. Tests were defined and performed according to the protocols developed in two University hospitals. Overview of tests performed, devices and analysing tools used, along with the overall results are presented.

quality control ; linear accelerator ; radiotherapy

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