Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy: AAPM Equipment and Tests
Quality assurance in radiotherapy is essential to ensure patient safety and precision in oncological treatments. Following AAPM recommendations, especially the TG-142 protocol, all radiotherapy services must implement rigorous linear accelerator QA programs.
Interphysix offers complete equipment solutions and calibration services to ensure compliance with international AAPM standards.
Mandatory Quality Control Tests (TG-142 Protocol)
The AAPM TG-142 protocol defines three categories of quality tests for linear accelerators:
🔹 Daily QA Tests
- Output dosimetry – Radiation dose verification (±3%)
- Laser safety – Positioning laser alignment (±2mm)
- ODI verification – Portal image consistency
- Door interlocks – Safety systems
🔹 Monthly QA Tests
- Absolute dose calibration – Verification with ionization chamber
- Beam flatness and symmetry (±2%)
- Beam energy – Spectral consistency
- MLC positioning – Multi-leaf collimator (±1mm)
- Light/radiation field coincidence (±2mm)
🔹 Annual QA Tests
- Complete reference dosimetry – TRS-398 recalibration
- PDD and dose profiles – Complete beam data
- Mechanical isocenter – Winston-Lutz test (±1mm)
- IMRT/VMAT QA – MapCHECK/ArcCHECK verification
- Safety tests – Interlocks, emergency stop
Recommended QA Equipment for Radiotherapy
Interphysix distributes market-leading equipment for daily radiotherapy tests and quality control:
☀️ Sun Nuclear – World Reference
- Daily QA 3 – Complete daily QA solution in <3 minutes (output, energy, flatness, symmetry)
- MapCHECK – 2D IMRT/VMAT verification with 1,527 detectors
- SNC Patient – Independent patient-specific QA (PSQA)
- ArcCHECK – 3D cylindrical phantom for volumetric verification
🔬 IBA Dosimetry
- Ionization chambers – FC65-G, CC13 for calibration
- MatriXX Evolution – 2D array for IMRT QA
- myQA Platform – Centralized QA management software
⚡ Fluke Biomedical
- Radiation multimeters – NERO mAx for safety tests
- Patient simulators – For imaging tests (kV/MV)
International Use Cases
Reference hospitals trust Interphysix solutions for quality control:
- Oncology Institute – Daily QA 3 implementation on 4 accelerators, reducing QA time from 15 to 3 minutes daily
- Radiotherapy Center – MapCHECK for PSQA of all VMAT cases with automatic digital archiving
- University Hospital – Integrated IBA myQA system for centralized QA management
- Specialized Clinic – ArcCHECK for complex SBRT plan validation
*Anonymized representative cases
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Radiotherapy QA
What is the difference between TG-142 and TG-40?
TG-142 (2009) replaced TG-40 (1994) as the AAPM standard. It includes more rigorous requirements for IMRT/VMAT, MLC tests, and adjusted frequencies.
How long does daily QA take with Daily QA 3?
Less than 3 minutes per accelerator. The system automatically measures output, energy, flatness, and symmetry simultaneously.
Is PSQA mandatory for all IMRT patients?
According to TG-142, PSQA for each patient is recommended for the first 6 months after commissioning. After establishing baseline, transition to sampling (e.g., 20% of cases) is acceptable.
Which ionization chamber for TRS-398 calibration?
Farmer-type 0.6cc chambers (e.g., IBA FC65-G, PTW 30013) calibrated at accredited laboratories. Recalibration every 2 years.
What is the typical tolerance for daily output?
±3% according to TG-142. Action level: if deviation >3%, investigate before treating patients.
How to ensure QA test traceability?
Management software (e.g., IBA myQA, SNC Patient) with automatic results archiving, timestamps, digital signature, and deviation alerts.
Does Interphysix offer QA training?
Yes! We include certified technical training on equipment installation and periodic workshops on TG-142 and new technologies.
🎯 Ensure TG-142 Compliance – Request Free Quote
Interphysix is your trusted partner for radiotherapy quality assurance. We offer:
- ✅ Sun Nuclear, IBA, and Fluke equipment – World leaders
- ✅ Accredited calibration services – Traceable to international standards
- ✅ Local technical support – 24/7 assistance
- ✅ Certified training – TG-142 and commissioning workshops
📞 Phone: +351 21 xxx xxxx | ✉️ Email: [email protected]
Última actualização: 27/04/2026