Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
RADIATION
Chapter 246-240 - Radiation protection Medical use of radioactive material
PHOTON EMITTING REMOTE AFTERLOADER UNITS, TELETHERAPY UNITS, AND GAMMA STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY UNITS
Section 246-240-384 - Periodic spot-checks for gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units

Universal Citation: WA Admin Code 246-240-384

Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024

(1) A licensee authorized to use a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit for medical use shall perform spot-checks of each gamma stereotactic radiosurgery facility and on each unit:

(a) Monthly;

(b) Before the first use of the unit on a given day; and

(2) A licensee shall:

(a) Perform the measurements required by subsection (1) of this section in accordance with written procedures established by the authorized medical physicist. That individual need not actually perform the spot check measurements.

(b) Have the authorized medical physicist review the results of each spot-check within 15 days. The authorized medical physicist shall notify the licensee as soon as possible in writing of the results of each spot-check.

(3) To satisfy the requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section, spot-checks must, at a minimum:

(a) Assure proper operation of:

(i) Treatment table retraction mechanism, using backup battery power or hydraulic backups with the unit off;

(ii) Helmet microswitches;

(iii) Emergency timing circuits; and

(iv) Stereotactic frames and localizing devices (trunnions).

(b) Determine:

(i) The output for one typical set of operating conditions measured with the dosimetry system described in WAC 246-240-366(2);

(ii) The difference between the measurement made in (b)(i) of this subsection and the anticipated output, expressed as a percentage of the anticipated output such as the value obtained at last full calibration corrected mathematically for physical decay);

(iii) Source output against computer calculation;

(iv) Timer accuracy and linearity over the range of use;

(v) On-off error; and

(vi) Trunnion centricity.

(4) To satisfy the requirements of subsection (1)(b) and (c) of this section, spot-checks must assure proper operation of:

(a) Electrical interlocks at each gamma stereotactic radiosurgery room entrance;

(b) Source exposure indicator lights on the gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit, on the control console, and in the facility;

(d) Timer termination;

(e) Radiation monitors used to indicate room exposures; and

(f) Emergency off buttons.

(5) A licensee shall arrange for the repair of any system identified in subsection (3) of this section that is not operating properly as soon as possible.

(6) If the results of the checks required in subsection (4) of this section indicate the malfunction of any system, a licensee shall lock the control console in the off position and not use the unit except as may be necessary to repair, replace, or check the malfunctioning system.

(7) A licensee shall retain a record of each check required by subsections (3) and (4) of this section and a copy of the procedures required by subsection (2) of this section in accordance with WAC 246-240-623.

Statutory Authority: RCW 70.98.050. 06-05-019, § 246-240-384, filed 2/6/06, effective 3/9/06.

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