After acceptance testing, which measurements are essential to carry out during commissioning?

Commissioning of radiation therapy equipment is a critical process that involves verifying that the system is functioning correctly and delivering radiation treatment accurately and safely. Beam data measurements and calibration are essential during this phase because they establish the baseline data for the output, dose distribution, and beam characteristics of the treatment machine.

Accurate beam data is crucial for developing treatment plans that specifically target the tumor while sparing healthy tissue. This data includes measurements like the dose rate, energy spectra, and percentage depth dose, among others. Calibration ensures that the dose delivered to the patient matches the prescribed dose, which is vital for effective treatment and patient safety.

While safety inspections and visual inspections are important aspects of the overall quality assurance process, they do not provide the specific data needed for establishing treatment parameters. Patient surveys are more relevant for evaluating patient experiences and outcomes post-treatment, not for the technical commissioning process. Thus, the focus on beam data measurements and calibration during commissioning directly supports the goals of accuracy and safety in radiation therapy.