What is the purpose of conducting acceptance tests on radiation therapy equipment?

Conducting acceptance tests on radiation therapy equipment primarily serves to verify compliance with national or international performance standards. This is crucial for ensuring that the equipment meets the established safety, performance, and reliability criteria before it is put into clinical use. Acceptance tests assess whether the equipment functions properly and produces accurate, precise radiation delivery, thereby reducing risks to patients and ensuring high-quality treatment.

While ensuring equipment efficiency and training new operators are important aspects of overall operational processes, their purposes do not specifically align with the primary aim of acceptance testing. Additionally, selecting appropriate treatment plans falls within the treatment planning phase of radiation therapy and is independent of the acceptance testing of equipment. Acceptance tests align closely with stringent regulatory standards, ensuring that the equipment adheres to safety and operational guidelines before its use in patient care.