NAC459.5932. Electronic brachytherapy devices: Validation of output; calibration.

     1. An authorized medical physicist for electronic brachytherapy shall validate the output of an electronic brachytherapy system.

     2. Measurements for calibration must be made:

     (a) For each X-ray tube;

     (b) After any repair which affects the generation of the X-ray beam; or

     (c) At any time indicated by the spot check required by NAC 459.5934.

     3. Calibration must include, without limitation, if applicable:

     (a) A determination of the output of the system within 2 percent of the expected value, or a determination of the output if there is no expected value;

     (b) A determination of the timer accuracy and linearity over the typical range of use;

     (c) A determination of the proper operation of the devices used for back-up control of exposure;

     (d) An evaluation of whether the distribution of the relative dose about the source is within 5 percent of that which is expected; and

     (e) A determination of the positioning of an X-ray tube within 1 millimeter in the applicator.

     4. The validation of the output must use a dosimetry system using approved guidelines, including, without limitation, the guidelines of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine to measure the output.

     5. A registrant shall make the calibration measurements required by this section in accordance with any current recommendations from a nationally recognized professional association, including, without limitation, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, or an equivalent alternative method, for electronic brachytherapy systems. If a protocol from a nationally recognized professional association is not available, a registrant shall use the protocol included in the operation manual for the system from the manufacturer.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R185-08, eff. 5-7-2010)