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Linear-accelerator X-ray output: a multicentre chamber-based intercomparison study in Australia and New Zealand

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Abstract

This paper describes the process and results of a survey of linear accelerator outputs as part of an Australasian Level III Dosimetry Intercomparison. This study involved the measurement of accelerator output under reference conditions (‘Level I’) with a small-volume ionisation chamber in water for 47 beams at 36 radiotherapy centres using the IAEA TRS 398 dose-to-water protocol. The mean ratio of measured to locally-determined accelerator output was 1.003±0.009 (1 standard deviation) with a range from 0.981 to 1.024. No correlation could be found between output ratio and accelerator type or local output calibration protocol. The small-volume chamber used satisfied most requirements for the study though showed some variation in sensitivity via repeated cross-calibration with a chamber calibrated at a primary standards laboratory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Physics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

    M. A. Ebert

  2. Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, Mascot, Melbourne, Australia

    S. J. Howlett

  3. Department of Radiation Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia

    K. Harrison & J. D. Denham

  4. Trans-Tasman Radiation Oncology Group, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia

    D. Cornes

  5. Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, Victoria, Australia

    C. S. Hamilton

  6. School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia

    J. D. Denham

  7. Department of Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Ave, 6009, Nedlands, WA, Australia

    M. A. Ebert

Authors
  1. M. A. Ebert
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  2. S. J. Howlett
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  3. K. Harrison
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  4. D. Cornes
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Correspondence to M. A. Ebert.

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Ebert, M.A., Howlett, S.J., Harrison, K. et al. Linear-accelerator X-ray output: a multicentre chamber-based intercomparison study in Australia and New Zealand. Australas. Phys. Eng. Sci. Med. 31, 268–279 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03178596

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03178596

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