Linear-accelerator X-ray output: a multicentre chamber-based intercomparison study in Australia and New Zealand

Australas Phys Eng Sci Med. 2008 Dec;31(4):268-79. doi: 10.1007/BF03178596.

Abstract

This paper describes the process and results of a survey of linear accelerator outputs as part of an Australasian Level III Dosimetry Intercomparison. This study involved the measurement of accelerator output under reference conditions ('Level I') with a small-volume ionisation chamber in water for 47 beams at 36 radiotherapy centres using the IAEA TRS 398 dose-to-water protocol. The mean ratio of measured to locally-determined accelerator output was 1.003 +/- 0.009 (1 standard deviation) with a range from 0.981 to 1.024. No correlation could be found between output ratio and accelerator type or local output calibration protocol. The small-volume chamber used satisfied most requirements for the study though showed some variation in sensitivity via repeated cross-calibration with a chamber calibrated at a primary standards laboratory.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Equipment Failure Analysis / statistics & numerical data*
  • New Zealand
  • Particle Accelerators / standards*
  • Particle Accelerators / statistics & numerical data*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care*
  • Radiometry / instrumentation*
  • Radiometry / standards*
  • Radiometry / statistics & numerical data
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • X-Rays