Turkish Journal of Oncology Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology
Article Open Access Volume 39 · 2024 pp. 017–030

Guide for Quality Control and Assurance Tests in High Dose Rate Brachytherapy Units

Kerem DURUER1, Büşra TAVLI2, Yusuf Ziya HAZERAL3, Şule PARLAR4, Hakan EREN3, Murat OKUTAN5, Aydın ÇAKIR6, Damla POYRAZ7, Talat AKSU8, Halil KÜÇÜCÜK9
1 Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Anabilim Dalı, Eskişehir-Türkiye
2 Ulus Liv Hospital, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Kliniği, İstanbul-Türkiye
3 Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Anabilim Dalı, İzmir-Türkiye
4 Trakya Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Anabilim Dalı, Edirne-Türkiye
5 İstanbul Üniversitesi, Onkoloji Enstitüsü Sağlık Fiziği Bölümü, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Kliniği, İstanbul-Türkiye
6 Memorial Hastanesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Kliniği, İstanbul-Türkiye
7 Acıbadem Atakent Hastanesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Kliniği, İstanbul-Türkiye
8 19 Mayıs Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Anabilim Dalı, Samsun-Türkiye
9 Acıbadem Altunizade Hastanesi, Radyasyon Onkolojisi Kliniği, İstanbul-Türkiye
Published: 2024 DOI: 10.5505/tjo.2024.002 Article ID: 1490
Abstract
This national report highlights the importance of quality control tests for brachytherapy devices and
systems. Brachytherapy is an effective treatment method that delivers high doses to small volumes by
placing radioactive sources within tissues, on body surfaces, or in cavities. For the safe and effective application
of this treatment, comprehensive quality control tests are required. The primary goal of quality
control tests is to ensure treatment accuracy and patient safety. Due to the use of radioactive sources, it
is particularly important to continuously monitor whether the devices are functioning correctly. Quality
control programs aim to monitor the performance of systems that have passed acceptance tests and are
ready for clinical use. This allows the detection of deviations that may occur over time, ensuring reliability
during treatment. Additionally, ensuring radiation safety for hospital staff and the environment is crucial.
The report outlines the necessary tests to ensure the safety, mechanical operation, and dose accuracy of
brachytherapy devices. Based on international guidelines and expert opinions, it provides information on
the purpose of each test, the methods used, and acceptable tolerance ranges. As experts gain experience,
the frequency and scope of quality control tests can be expanded, enhancing the efficiency and safety of
the devices. In these quality control processes, the correct positioning of radioactive sources, dose calculations,
and the prevention of unexpected deviations during treatment are of utmost importance. Furthermore,
tolerance ranges in accordance with international standards should be established for device
calibration and safe operating conditions. For the long-term reliability of brachytherapy systems, annual,
quarterly, and daily quality control procedures should be defined in detail and regularly monitored.

Keywords: Applicator; brachytherapy; safety tests; quality control

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