Abstract
In addition to a high spatial resolution and well characterised dose response, one of the major advantages of radiochromic film as a dosimeter is that sheets of film can be cut into pieces suitable for use as calibration films, and for in vivo and phantom measurements. The cutting of film is typically done using scissors or a guillotine, and this process can be time-consuming, limited in precision, requires extensive handling and does not allow holes to be cut from the film without cutting from an existing edge. This study investigated the use of a Brother ScanNCut hobby cutting system for EBT3 film preparation. The optimal operating parameters (blade size, pressure, speed) that resulted in precise cuts with minimal delamination at cut edges were identified using test cutting patterns. These parameters were then used to cut a large film insert for a stereotactic head phantom for comparison against an insert cut with scissors. While the hobby cutting system caused a wider region of delamination at the film edge (1.8 mm) compared to scissors (1 mm), the hobby cutting system was found to be able to produce reproducible cuts more efficiently and more accurately than scissors. The use of the hobby cutting system is recommended for complex phantom inserts (containing sharp corners or holes for alignment rods) or in situations where large numbers of film pieces need to be prepared.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Morales JE, Butson M, Crowe SB, Hill R, Trapp JV (2016) An experimental extrapolation technique using the Gafchromic EBT3 film for relative output factor measurements in small X-ray fields. Med Phys 43(8):4687–4692
Gill S, Hill R (2013) A study on the use of Gafchromic™ EBT3 film for output factor measurements in kilovoltage X-ray beams. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 36(4):465–471
Morales JE, Hill R, Crowe SB, Kairn T, Trapp JV (2014) A comparison of surface doses for very small field size X-ray beams: Monte Carlo calculations and radiochromic film measurements. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 37(2):303–309
Peet SC, Wilks R, Kairn T, Crowe SB (2016) Measuring dose from radiotherapy treatments in the vicinity of a cardiac pacemaker. Physica Med 32(12):1529–1536
Bennie N, Metcalfe P (2016) Practical IMRT QA dosimetry using Gafchromic film: a quick start guide. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 39(2):533–545
Kairn T, Papworth D, Crowe SB, Anderson J, Christie DRH (2016) Dosimetric quality, accuracy and deliverability of modulated radiotherapy treatments for spinal metastases. Med Dosim 41(3):258–266
Kairn T, Hardcastle N, Kenny J, Meldrum R, Tome W, Aland T (2011) EBT2 radiochromic film for quality assurance of complex IMRT treatments of the prostate: micro-collimated IMRT, RapidArc, and TomoTherapy. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 34(3):333–343
Healy B, Frantzis J, Murry R, Martin J, Middleton M, Catton C, Kron T (2011) Development of a dosimetry inter-comparison for IMRT as part of site credentialing for a TROG multi-centre clinical trial for prostate cancer. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 34(2):195–202
Palmer AL, Lee C, Ratcliffe AJ, Bradley D, Nisbet A (2013) Design and implementation of a film dosimetry audit tool for comparison of planned and delivered dose distributions in high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Phys Med Biol 58(19):6623–6640
Moylan R, Aland T, Kairn T (2013) Dosimetric accuracy of Gafchromic EBT2 and EBT3 film for in vivo dosimetry. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 36(3):331–337
Yu PKN, Butson M, Cheung T (2006) Does mechanical pressure on radiochromic film affect optical absorption and dosimetry? Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 29(3):285–287
Niroomand-Rad A, Blackwell CR, Coursey BM et al. (1998) Radiochromic film dosimetry: recommendations of AAPM radiation therapy committee task group 55. Med Phys 25(11):2093–2115
Mayers S (2011) Characterisation of Gafchromic EBT2 film for use in radiation therapy dosimetry. Masters Thesis, University of Wollongong
Kairn T, Aland T, Kenny J (2010) Local heterogeneities in early batches of EBT2 film: a suggested solution. Phys Med Biol 55(15):L37–L42
Wang L, Kielar KN, Mok E, Hsu A, Dieterich S, Xing L (2012) An end-to-end examination of geometric accuracy of IGRT using a new digital accelerator equipped with onboard imaging system. Phys Med Biol 57(3):757–769
Avanzo M, Rink A, Dassie A, Massarut S, Roncadin M, Borsatti E, Capra E (2012) In vivo dosimetry with radiochromic films in low-voltage intraoperative radiotherapy of the breast. Med Phys 39(5):2359–2368
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank Steven Sylvander and Cancer Care Services at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital for the provision of film stock and equipment.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare they have no conflicts of interest.
Ethical approval
This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zolfaghari, S., Francis, K.E., Kairn, T. et al. Commissioning a hobby cutting device for radiochromic film preparation. Australas Phys Eng Sci Med 40, 449–453 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-017-0545-3
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13246-017-0545-3