What main features of radiation therapy equipment should be tested?

When considering the main features of radiation therapy equipment that should be tested, mechanical characteristics stand out as crucial elements. These characteristics encompass the precision and accuracy of the equipment's mechanical components, such as the linear accelerator's movements, the positioning of the patient, and the integrity of the collimators. Testing mechanical characteristics ensures that the radiation delivery system operates reliably and effectively, thereby minimizing the risk of errors during treatment and ensuring that patients receive the correct dose of radiation.

While operational costs and electrical supply systems are relevant to the overall operation of the radiation therapy department, they are not the primary focus when testing the actual therapy equipment itself. Operational costs pertain to budgeting and financial management rather than functionality, and while electrical supply systems are vital for equipment operation, they fall under maintenance rather than testing the equipment's fundamental characteristics.

Focusing on mechanical characteristics provides essential information about the alignment and movement of equipment necessary for accurate patient treatments, thus making it a central area of testing in radiation therapy.