Machine QA & MPC

MACHINE QA AND MPC

TrueBeam 2.0

VARIAN Physics Instructor

ONCOLOGY
SYSTEMS
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TRUEBEAM MACHINE QA

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Machine QA functions

• DCM plans can be loaded in File Mode for QA

• Plan does not need to be scheduled in R&V
• Does not accumulate delivered dose to any reference point in R&V
• It is possible to repeat a beam as many times as is needed – e.g. for
dosimetry tests
• Dry Run is available in Machine QA and Plan QA modes
• Perform image matching as part of imaging system QA
It is not possible
• View setup notes from treatment console
• Make a treatment record either to R&V or file

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 Machine QA & MPC

Different QA Modes

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Different Types of QA Mode

Treatment Machine QA
File Mode Scheduled pts. (select QA)
Open patient from R&V
Open dcm files Open dcm files
queue

One time must be

scheduled
Treat each beam one Treat each beam as
Treat each beam as
time many times as needed
many times as needed
Do not record the dose
Do not record the dose
delivered
delivered
Save a treatment record
as file, including Save the session
Save images to patient
acquired images images to file
in database

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Example of setup/workflow

• Use of Machine QA for any testing of the beam where

repeated irradiation may be needed (morning checks)
• Use File Mode in Treatment application for other
mechanical and imaging tests when file record of beam
delivery is required
• Use Plan QA from the R&V queue in Treatment application
for Portal Dosimetry and other patient plan related QA
• Verification plans –Treatment Mode / QA

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 Machine QA & MPC

Standard QA tests

• Tests are delivered with TrueBeam and designed to evaluate constancy of

system performance
• These tests are representative of modern daily and weekly quality assurance
checks recommended by international guidelines
• Customers are encouraged to edit these plans to meet local QA protocols.
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Standard QA tests groups

• Safety test group – testing of detector touch systems, MEB, emergency stop,
latching and verification of accessories, patient monitoring systems and
stereotactic motion disable feature
• Alignment test group – testing of ODI, jaw positions accuracy and laser
alignment
• Imager test group – testing of geometric alignment of imager systems to
isocenter, couch shift accuracy, check of door interlock, beam on indicator check,
and beam on/off button check
• Gated IGRT test group – respiratory gated IMRT treatment plan with
pretreatment fluoroscopic image based verification
• Fluoro – testing of kV acquisition within gating thresholds, and
continuous kV acquisition
• TX Port – testing of MV acquisition within gating thresholds
• IMRT Gated – Tests delivery under respiratory gating

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Standard QA tests groups

• Beam test group – contains treatment fields for all the energy modes.
Testing energy modes, output, beam flatness, symmetry and energy. One field
is used to test Beam Off key. One electron field is used to verify FFDA readout
and applicator touch guard
• Treatment test group – provides set of representative treatment fields for
evaluating the constancy of system output under clinical operation
• EDWXXIN/OUT – Used to test Enhanced Dynamic Wedge delivery for different
angles and orientations.
• LFIMRT – Tests the delivery for large IMRT fields
• IMRT 6FFF – Tests IMRT delivery using FFF mode
• VMAT – Tests Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy delivery
• VMAT FFF- tests VMAT delivery using FFF mode
• Photon ARC – tests ARC delivery
• Conf ARC – tests conformal arc delivery
• Perfect Pitch test group – provides testing of isocenter stability when
leveling the table is applied after pitch and roll movement

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 Machine QA & MPC

TRUEBEAM MACHINE
PERFORMANCE CHECK
(MPC)

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MPC overview

• Machine Performance Check (MPC) is an integrated self-

check tool used to verify whether or not critical functions
of the TrueBeam system are operating within Varian
specifications.
• The application is designed for reliable and fast system
testing on a daily basis before routine treatment starts.
• MPC values are determined by analyzing MV and kV
images at various machine positions, with and without the
IsoCal phantom.

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MPC overview

Note: Machine Performance Check is not a machine QA

tool and does not replace the need to perform routine QA.
Varian recommends that institutions follow accepted QA
guidelines. Machine Performance Check does not prevent
treatment if the accelerator is operating outside of
specification.

Caution: Do not install the accessory mount, an electron

cone or any other accessory when performing Machine
Performance Check. This may result in a collision with the
IsoCal phantom. Beam constancy checks of electron
energies are performed without the electron cone.

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 Machine QA & MPC

MPC overview
Acquisition workspace Review workspace

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MPC process
IsoCal phantom firmly mounted to couch
top using a dedicated MPC bracket

MPC console mode is entered on Home

screen

Operator initiates beam on from

dedicated console

MPC automatically acquires a series of

MV and kV images

The beam properties as well as

mechanical characteristics for different
collimator and gantry rotations, couch
settings and collimating devices are
captured

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MPC process
Images are processed immediately

Results displayed to user for quick

evaluation

Results indicate whether the values are

within system specifications

Review workspace for detailed analysis

of current as well as past MPC checks

Export, trending, and reports are

available

Offline mode can be installed on a separate workstation

In-depth analysis
Review data for multiple TrueBeam systems

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 Machine QA & MPC

MPC overview: Checks

• The MPC application currently supports two

distinct checks:
• Beam Constancy Check
• Geometry Check

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MPC Modes: Console Mode

• Acquisition workspace
• Tools Options
• Add Energy
• Acquire Couch Reference
• Power Saver (Standby)
• Create Report
• Review Workspace
• Supports three major views:
• History View
• Details View
• Trends View
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MPC Modes: Offline Mode

• Can be installed on any personal computer,

laptop, or workstation connected to the network
drive that stores the MPC data

• Detailed analysis of MPC history of multiple

TrueBeam systems

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 Machine QA & MPC

User Rights: OSP for Console Mode

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MPC : Console Mode

• The application lists the scheduled tests to be

performed for the day and displays an instruction
to place the phantom on the couch

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MPC : Console Mode

• Set up the mount and the phantom on the couch

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 Machine QA & MPC

MPC overview: Beam Constancy Check

• Evaluates changes in beam characteristics by

comparing an acquired MV image to a customer
defined baseline image
• Each energy has an individual defined baseline
image and is tested separately
• Characteristics evaluated:
• Beam output change
• Beam uniformity change
• Beam center shift

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MPC overview: Geometry Check

• Monitors the mechanical characteristics of the

treatment system by evaluating the following
values:
• Radiation isocenter size and location
• Coincidence of radiation isocenter with MV & kV imaging
system isocenters
• Accuracy of collimator and gantry rotation angle
• Positioning accuracy of jaws and inner MLC leafs
• Couch positioning accuracy for 4 degrees of freedom.
Additional check of pitch and roll for Varian Perfect Pitch™
6-Degree of Freedom Couch
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Checks

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 Machine QA & MPC

MPC overview: Beam Constancy Check

• Performed using an uncorrected, jaw collimated, symmetric 18x18cm2 image

at gantry 0°IEC61217.
• A ratio image is calculated between the baseline and the respective beam
image of the check.
• To reduce the impact of jaw positioning, the beam characteristics output and
uniformity are evaluated on an inner area of the field (13.3x13.3cm2 at
isocenter).

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Beam Constancy Check

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Geometry checks (example): Isocenter

• MV & kV Image Projection Offset

• Represents the maximum distance of the imager center
from the projection of the treatment isocenter
• It is a measure of the accuracy of the IsoCal
calibration, important for matching and CBCT image quality

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 Machine QA & MPC

Data Management

• Data Storage
• MPC stores images and derived performance values on
the local TrueBeam workstation.
• MPC removes data if the free disk space drops below a
predefined value (5.0GB default)
• Baselines are always retained

• Results are retained minimum of 2 years

• Acquired raw data deleted prior to result data

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Data Management

• Synchronization
• The data is instantly synchronized from the local MPC
history to the following directory:
\\<yourserver>\va_transfer\TDS\<machineID>\MPCChecks
• This is a one-way synchronization, Offline Mode
is read-only and the application must be restarted
to refresh the history view.
• The synchronization will also remove data from
the server that has been removed from the local
directory.

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Data Management

Data Export

There are 2 ways to export for e.g. use in a

3rd party tool:

• Full MPC History in CSV format

• Single Check to a zip file

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 Machine QA & MPC

Reports

Creating a Report
• In the Review Workspace,
Details View select Options>
Create Report:

In Console Mode,
click Create Report

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Reports

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References

1. Machine Performance Check Instructions for Use

2. TrueBeam 2.0 Technical Reference Guide volume II

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 Machine QA & MPC

Disclaimer
Notice
• This information is an educational aid only and is intended solely as a
supplemental document. This provides information concerning the use of the
TrueBeam. For complete information concerning components, safety
instructions, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc., refer to the
applicable Varian product documentation. This information does not replace the
Varian product documentation.
• Carefully read all instructions prior to use. Observe all contraindications,
warnings and precautions noted in these instructions. Failure to do so may result
in patient and/or user complications.
• This information is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Varian. Varian is not liable for errors contained in this
information or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with
furnishing or use of this material. This contains proprietary information protected
by copyright. No part of this may be reproduced, translated, or transmitted
without the express written permission of Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

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