QA processes Flashcards
Rationale for QA in RT
- reduced random and systematic errors across all steps in process (improves dosimetric and geometric accuracy)
- increases probability that errors will be recognised and rectified sooner, reducing consequences for patient treatment
- allows reliable inter-comparison of results among different centres
Why is intercomparison important
Enhances accuracy or treatment
Highlights any deviations between machines, departments or techniques
Role of RT in QA
ASMIRT and MRPBA
Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of quality assurance (QA procedures)
➢ Knowledge and application of procedures used in QA, and follows
department policies and procedures
LINAC calibration protocols (national/international standard)
TRS 398 protocol
- AAPM –TG51 protocol
MDT in QA
- Radiation oncologists (ROs),
- Medical physicists,
- Radiation Therapists
- Nurses,
- Service engineers,
- Admin staff,
What is QA
Quality assurance (QA) - all those planned and systematic
actions necessary to provide adequate confidence that a
product or service will satisfy the given requirements for
quality.
➢ QA- addresses a range of procedures, activities, actions, and
groups of staff
what is QSM
Quality System Management (QSM)– is the management of a
QA program
Quality control
QC includes activities that impose specific quality on a process. It entails the evaluation of
actual operating performance characteristics of a device or a system, comparing it to desired goals
and acting on the difference.
(b) Is the regulatory process through which the actual quality performance is measured, compared
with existing standards, and the actions necessary to keep or regain conformance with the
standards.
- It is concerned with operational techniques and activities used:
➢ To check that quality requirements are met.
➢ To adjust and correct performance if the requirements are found not to have been met.
QA in RT definition and Examples of QA
all procedures that ensure consistency of
the medical prescription, and safe fulfilment of that radiotherapy-related
prescription.
Examples of prescriptions:
➢ Dose to the tumour (to the target volume).
➢ Minimal dose to normal tissue.
➢ Adequate patient monitoring aimed at determining the optimum
end result of the treatment.
➢ Minimal exposure of personnel
QA equipment programme
- Acceptance Testing and Commissioning
- Routine QC checks
- Additional QC checks
- Planned preventative maintenance (PM) program
Acceptance testing vs comissioning
Acceptance Testing – Acceptance of equipment is the process in which the
supplier demonstrates the baseline performance of the equipment to the
satisfaction of the customer.
- Commissioning - Commissioning is the process of preparing the equipment for
clinical service.
Regular QC
begins immediately after commissioning
Parameters to be tested and the tests to be performed.
✓ Specific equipment to be used for that.
✓ Geometry of the tests.
✓ Frequency of the tests.
✓ Staff group or individual performing the tests, as well as
the individual supervising and responsible for the
standards of the tests
✓ Expected results.
✓ Tolerance and action levels.
✓ Actions required when the tolerance levels are
exceeded.
frequency of QC checks
daily, monthly and annual
equipment of QC
Linac
✓ TPS
✓ RVs (R & V)
✓ RIS,
✓ PACs
✓ Hospital-based information systems
✓ QA equipment
ARPANSA role
Services include monitoring, Testing and Calibration, training and hire radiation
meters
