Corporate Headquarters
3275 Suntree Boulevard
Melbourne, Florida 32940 USA
telephone +1 321-259-6862
http://www.sunnuclear.com
ii
Preface
Intended Use
The Daily QA 3 is intended to measure and analyze the daily radiation output characteristics of an
external treatment machine (linac or Cobalt 60) before the start of daily treatment in a radiation
oncology center, and not for calibration of said machines.
CAUTION: Certain federal laws restrict this device to sale by or on the order of a qualified
radiation therapy professional, such as a medical dosimetrist, medical physicist, or
radiation oncologist.
Application
Every morning, the Daily QA 3 is positioned in a standard beam setup for measurement. The
parameters measured are: dose output, beam symmetry, beam flatness, beam energy, and light/
radiation field coincidence. These parameter measurements are compared to a reference value
using trend graph analysis in the Daily QA 3 software. If a measurement exceeds an action level,
an investigation of the cause will take place before treatment resumes for the day.
WARNING: Do not modify a patients treatment plan based only on the results from a
single QA device; but DO investigate the source of the error in the treatment delivery
device (TDD) or treatment planning system (TPS).
Sun Nuclear meets worldwide standards, including ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR 820 Quality System
Regulations, Health Canada's CMDCAS, and the European Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC.
Sun Nuclear is certified and authorized to affix the CE mark on products for marketing and
distribution in the Member States of the European Union.
Sun Nuclears quality systems registrar and European Notified Body for Class II medical products
is BSI. Sun Nuclears Class I medical products are listed in Europe with the Competent Authority
of the Netherlands.
Conventions
Bold typeface indicates a button name or an entry that the user must type.
Italicized typeface indicates the title of a manual, a cross-referenced subsection within this
manual, or introduces a new term or phrase.
Bold italicized typeface indicates a menu option.
Text in double quotes indicates a message that is displayed to the user.
'Text in single quotes' indicates the name of a window or dialog box.
The Z suffix in a part number indicates a RoHS2 compliant part.
Preface iii
Health and Safety Instructions
WARNING: To avoid the risk of electric shock, this equipment must only be connected
to a supply mains with protective earth (ground).
CAUTION: Keep the electronics out of the direct beam. Exposing the Daily QA 3
electronics to direct radiation could void the warranty.
The device may only be used with the medically approved power supply that is shipped with
the device.
Inspect the instrument periodically for damage. If errors or damage are suspected, contact
Sun Nuclear Corporation.
To protect insulation, never pull on a cable to disconnect it. Always grasp the plug or
connector. Do not use any power cord or power supply that is damaged or has broken
insulation.
Do not route cables under or through the treatment room door in a way that would present a
tripping hazard.
The instrument is not intended to be used in an oxygen-rich environment.
Do not operate the instrument in any strong magnetic fields (i.e., MRI).
iv Preface
Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii QA Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Intended Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Preparing for Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Quality and Regulatory Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Printing Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Exporting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Health and Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Support and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Maintaining Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Parts and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
rf-Daily QA 3, P/N 1093000-1Z. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Daily QA 3, P/N 1093000-0Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Disposing and Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Gantry Mount Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Minimizing Radiation Damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Upgrade Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Daily QA 3 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Backup Before Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Database Connection Troubleshooting . . . . . . 17
Upgrading Client Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Daily QA 3 End Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Conversion of Database Tables for Daily rf-Daily QA 3 End Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
QA 3 Software Version 2.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 PDI Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
New Software Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Contacting Sun Nuclear Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Support Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Step 1 Install Database Software . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Step 2 Install Client Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Hardware Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Recommended System Requirements . . . . . . . . 20
Charge rf-Daily QA 3 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Daily QA 3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Cable Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 rf-Daily QA 3 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
rf-Daily QA 3 Wireless Connection . . . . . . . . 5 Software Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Daily QA 3 Wired Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Daily QA 3 Client Software Interface. . . . . . . . . . 23
Software Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 QA View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Add Users to the Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Scheme Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Launch Software and Connect to Database . . . . . . 7 Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Set Up Program Preferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Trend View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Graph Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Calibrate Temperature and Pressure Daily Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
QA 2 and Daily QA 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Appendix A: Regulatory Supplement . . . . . . 27
Calibrate Absolute Dose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Sun Nuclear Corporation Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Absolute Dose Calibration Procedure . . . . . . 9 Operator Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Calibrate Array . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Modifications to the Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Create a QA Test Plan, Site, Room, Machine, Environmental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
QA Mode View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Radio Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Set Up the Scheme Tree, Physicist Role . . . . . .10 Reporting Health or Safety Related Issues or
Set Up Template for Beam Tracking . . . . . . . . . 11 Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Baseline Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Australian Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Baseline QA Template. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Connection to External Computer Equipment . . 29
EMC Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Contents v
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vi Contents
1 Introduction
Description
Daily QA 3 captures the beam print of a radiation field by measuring radiation using ionization
chambers and diodes, arranged in a fixed pattern such that a reproducible setup will reveal
changes in beam characteristics. Trend analysis is performed with built-in database software.
Daily QA 3 software stores measurement results in a database that allows trend analysis of
measurements and report generation. The database can be centralized so that any network
computer running the Daily QA 3 client software can access the data.
Daily QA 3 software can also be used with PROFILER 2, TomoDose, and Daily QA Check 2. For a
list of software differences when using other instruments, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or
the software Help Index.
5 1
3
4 2
3
2 1
2 Section 1. Introduction
2 Setup
Upgrade Installation
Prerequisites
Verify the Daily QA 3 software and Firebird database are not already installed on this
computer. If you are currently using a version of the Firebird SQL Database Server for other
applications, contact Sun Nuclear Support.
Verify the computer meets the system requirements. See Recommended System
Requirements on page 20.
Administrative rights are required to install the software.
Daily QA 3 software stores data in a database. The database is installed on the computer hosting
the client software or a client/server installation. Consult with your network administrator to plan
a server installation.
Step 1 Install Database Software
These instructions apply to new installations only! Do not install the database if you are upgrading
the Daily QA 3 software. For more details about the database installation, see the Daily QA 3
Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
1 Download the Daily QA 3 Database installation file from the Sun Nuclear Support website and
save it to a location that can be accessed from the computer that will host the database. On
the Daily QA 3 Product Downloads page, click the Software (Current Version) link on the
left side of the page to access the current installation file. As of the release of this document,
the database version is 1.4.0.
2 Navigate to the location of the downloaded DQA3 Database*.exe file and double-click to
begin the installation (where * = the software version).
3 If the User Account Control dialog box prompts you to allow the program to make changes
to the computer, click Yes.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Upgrade Installation 3
If a Windows Security Alert message prompts to keep blocking or unblock the Firebird SQL
Server program, select Unblock. For more information about firewalls, see the Daily QA 3
Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
5 When installation completes, read the information about automatic database backups, click
OK and then click Finish to exit.
6 Verify that the database software icon, DQA3 DB Admin , appears in the system tray. If
the default options were selected when installing the database, the file path for the DBAdmin
executable is C:\SNC\QADatabase\DB Admin.
If the firewall does not present the firewall message to unblock the required port, allow the
program to communicate through the Windows Firewall as follows (note that the instructions may
differ depending upon the version of Windows Operating System):
1 Open the Windows Control Panel.
2 Select Windows Firewall.
3 On the left side of the screen, click Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.
4 On the Allowed Programs window:
Windows 7: Click Allow another program. In the Add a Program dialog box, select DB
Admin, and then click Add.
Windows 10: Click Allow another app. In the Add an app dialog box, select DB Admin,
and then click Add.
Step 2 Install Client Software
Perform the client software installation on the computer(s) which will access the Daily QA 3
Database.
When installing the Daily QA 3 client software, the person logged on to the computer must have
administrative privileges. The installation fails if the person logged in does not have write access
to C:\Windows\System32.
1 Download the Daily QA 3 Database installation file from the Sun Nuclear Support website and
save it to a location that can be accessed from the computer on which the client software will
be installed. On the Daily QA 3 Product Downloads page, click the Software (Current
Version) link on the left side of the page to access the current installation file. As of the
release of this document, the Daily QA 3 client version is 2.5.4.
2 Navigate to the location of the downloaded DailyQA3Setup_v*.exe file and double-click to
begin the installation (where * = the software version).
3 If the User Account Control dialog box prompts you to allow the program to make changes
to the computer, click Yes.
4 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5 When installation completes, click Finish to exit.
After installing the Daily QA 3 client software, ensure that all users on the
computer have read and write permissions to the directory where the client
software is installed. If the default options were selected when installing the client
software, the directory for the DailyQA3 executable is C:\SNC\DailyQA3. A
shortcut to the Daily QA 3 executable is placed on the computers desktop.
4 Section 2. Setup
Hardware Setup
Power
Supply
Cable Connections
Prior to software launch, connect cables. Use the instructions for the type of Daily QA 3 instrument
you are using (wireless or wired).
Hardware Setup 5
Daily QA 3 Wired Connection
USB Cable
Power Power/Data
Supply Cable
6 Section 2. Setup
3 Software Setup
Add Users to the Database
Before using the Daily QA 3 software, users must be added to the Daily QA 3 database. Adding
users populates the User Name drop-down list on the Daily QA 3 Login screen.
Each user name must be unique but passwords are optional. A user role must be assigned:
Physicist or Technician. Physicists have full access to the software; technicians cannot access the
setup or calibration menus. At least one physicist role is required to set up a test plan.
Perform this procedure on the computer where the Daily QA 3 database software is installed.
1 Double-click the SNC DB Admin icon in the system tray. If the symbol is hidden, click the
Show hidden icons button in the system tray.
2 In the Daily QA 3 Database Administrator window, click the User box in the upper right
corner.
Click to open
the login data
fields
3 The user name, ADMIN, is populated by default. Enter the password, photon (all lower case)
and press Enter or click Login.
4 Click New and enter the user information.
5 Click Save.
1 Double-click the Daily QA 3 desktop icon or go to Start > Programs > SNC Group >
Daily QA 3 > Daily QA 3 to launch the Daily QA 3 software.
2 If this is the first time the software has run on this computer, the Program Preferences dialog
box opens and prompts for the database location. Enter host name and click OK.
3 Close Program Preferences, exit and restart software. If the software finds the database, the
Login screen appears.
4 If a device is connected, a background measurement begins. If the device is connected and
not found when the software is launched, continue to the next step and then see the Daily
QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
5 Select a user name from the list, type the password (if required), and click Login.
The software is ready to use when the database connection is established and the instrument
is connected.
The Daily QA 3 Program Preferences allow you to customize default options, such as temperature
and pressure units, length of the startup background measurement, QA rooms to display on a
computer, and trend chart settings.
Click Setup > Program Preferences to set default options. For more details, see the Daily QA 3
Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
Calibration
The Calibration menu contains five items ordered in a logical sequence that should be followed
when using Daily QA 3 software.
Calibrate Temperature and Pressure See Calibrate Temperature and Pressure Daily QA 2
and Daily QA 3 on page 8.
Calibrate Absolute Dose See Calibrate Absolute Dose on page 8.
Calibrate Array See Calibrate Array on page 9.
Calibration Management This function enables import and deletion of qualifying array
calibration files and can be performed as needed.See the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the
software Help Index for details.
Export DQA 3 Calibration (for Argus) This function is used to export an array calibration as
a text file for Argus. For information about exporting a Daily QA 3 calibration for Argus, see
the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
Calibrate Temperature and Pressure Daily QA 2 and Daily QA 3
Air density corrections derived from temperature and pressure sensors in the Daily QA device
have a direct influence on output measurements, thereby influencing the Dose Calibration Factor
of the central axis chamber (CAX). When the Daily QA 3 software is upgraded to version 2.5, the
temperature and pressure sensors for each Daily QA 3 device must be calibrated using your
temperature and pressure standards as a reference. These reference standards should be the
same as those used for dosimetry calibration, thereby enabling a future intercomparison to your
dosimetry standard. Any new or replacement Daily QA 3 instruments must also be calibrated for
temperature and pressure prior to calibrating the absolute dose response.
For more information, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
1 From the menu, select Calibration > Calibrate Temperature and Pressure.
2 In the Calibrate Temperature and Pressure dialog box, enter actual ambient temperature, to
tenths of a degree, obtained from a calibrated thermometer in treatment room.
3 Enter actual pressure, to tenths of a unit, obtained from a calibrated pressure gauge in
treatment room and click Apply.
Calibrate Absolute Dose
This function converts the CAX ion chamber data from device response to dose. The air density
corrections are part of this calibration, therefore the calibration of Temperature and Pressure will
influence the CAX dose reference value.
The Absolute Dose Calibration results in an Absolute Dose Calibration Factor, or Dose Factor, for
short. The Dose Factor, a new database field in version 2.5 labeled as AB_DOSE_CF, is applied
globally to all template measurements for a given device, hence the user will only perform the
'Calibrate Absolute Dose' function for a single energy per machine. For information about
calibrating absolute dose, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
Note: Water equivalency from the top of the Daily QA 3 instrument to point of
measurement is 1.0 cm. The physical distance from the top of the Daily QA 3
instrument to the point of measurement is 0.74 cm.
2 Select Calibration > Calibrate Absolute Dose. In the Available Devices panel the highlighted
serial number is the device connected. The instrument image on the right shows the correct
orientation for the measurement.
Note: The Calibrate Absolute Dose function is only performed for a single energy per
device. The resultant Dose Factor is automatically applied to all other energies for that
device.
3 Click Start and deliver the MU for the known dose. Follow the instructions on the screen to
complete the dose calibration. For additional details, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or
the software Help Index.
Calibrate Array
This procedure is for Daily QA 3 only. For PROFILER 2 and TomoDose, use the separate instrument
software to perform array calibration then import the resulting array calibration files into Daily QA
3 software. For details, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
If calibrating an array with an Elekta Beam Modulator linac limited to 16x21 cm field SAD, see
the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index for additional information.
1 For photons, adjust collimator jaws to 25 x 25; for electrons, install 25 X 25 cm cone.
2 From the menu, select Calibration > Calibrate Array The Calibrate Array dialog box
displays the Daily QA 3 as it should be oriented for the first array calibration measurement
and prompts for the energy and beam type.
To zoom in and change perspective, click the magnifying glass at the top right of the screen.
3 Enter energy and beam type (MV for photons, MeV for electrons) for the calibration and click
Begin. The Daily QA 3 image rotates to the initial position and the Initial Setup dialog box
displays.
4 Follow the setup instructions and click Next. For additional calibration details, see the Daily
QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
5 When Step E of the Calibrate Array procedure is complete, click Finish. The calibration factors
display. Click Print to print the results or save as a PDF, Accept to save the results to the
database, or Close to close the screen without saving the results.
Overview
Note: Screens in this section show Daily QA 3 only; other device screens have a slightly
different appearance.
The QA test plan is a Scheme Tree that contains all the test and schedule details. As viewed in QA
Mode, the Scheme Tree lists the sites, rooms, machines, and tests; it is linked to a calendar so
that recurring tests appear on the days scheduled. Once the device is connected and setup for
the test in the Scheme Tree, then as each test is completed, measurement data is stored in the
database and the software advances to the next test. Test results are reviewed in the Trend Mode.
Site + Room
Machine Device
Template ID, Setup
(i.e., test
names)
Machine
Setup
Data Panel
Decision
Keys
Results Panel
Figure 3-3. QA View
Note: Daily QA 3 uses a relational database for recording data and its related site,
machine, device, template, and user information. Once in the database, data cannot
be deleted. However, obsolete information on site, machine, device, template, and
user can be hidden from view when labeled Inactive.
1 Open the Test Setup dialog box by clicking Setup > Scheme Tree.
2 Click New, enter all relevant information for the site. The Setup Overview panel is empty until
the information is saved.
3 Click Save. The site appears on the Scheme Tree. Rooms can now be set up for the site.
4 In the Scheme Tree, click to select the Site, enter a room name, and then click +Add.
Machines can now be added to the room.
5 In the Scheme Tree, select the room to which a machine will be added and then select the
manufacturer and model of the machine from the drop-down lists. The manufacturer and
model can be entered manually, if needed.
6 Using the drop-down list, select the serial number of the device that will be used for machine
QA. If no device has ever been connected, no devices will be available in the list.
7 Select the array calibration file to use with the instrument. For Daily QA 3 instruments
manufactured or serviced after June 2007, the factory calibration file may be used to obtain
reasonable results.
8 Select energies to be tested. A test template is produced for each selected energy.
Note: For accurate determination of change in electron energy, templates for all
electron energies must be created prior to data collection. All electron energies do not
need to be scheduled in the calendar, but must have templates created.
Baseline Options
Consider the following when selecting the baseline options for a template.
Absolute mode evaluates results for axial symmetry, transverse symmetry, field size and field
shift against a field with perfect symmetry and size.
Relative mode evaluates results against the measured baseline. If you are only interested in
deviations from the baseline, use relative mode.
Example:
During baseline measurement, if a beam has an axial symmetry of -0.6%, and a daily QA
measurement a week later has an axial symmetry of -0.5%, then in absolute mode, it will
show an axsym of -0.5%, but in relative mode it will show an axsym of +0.1%.
Baseline QA Template
Before using a QA test template, it must be baselined with a QA measurement. All trend
parameters are compared with the baseline data set until a new baseline is established. Each time
the QA template is baselined, subsequent data is compared to the new baseline data, while all
previous data is compared to the previous baseline.
1 From the Daily QA 3 software menu, select Setup > Baseline QA Template.
2 The QA Template Baseline Instructions form appears. Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the baseline procedure. See the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or software Help Index
for more detailed information.
The baseline dose corresponds to the value that will represent your desired output baseline.
For example, after an output measurement the Daily QA 3 software will subtract the baseline
dose from the output measurement to calculate the percent difference. Suppose your output
measurement is 102 and you entered 100 for your baseline dose; your percent difference for
that output measurement would be 2%.
The delivered dose on the other hand allows you to compensate for situations when you
know the output of your machine is different from your desired baseline dose. For instance,
if you want your baseline dose to be 100 (1.00 cGy/MU), but you know the current output of
your machine is 2% hot (1.02 cGy/MU), enter 102 as your delivered dose. These two factors
allow you to separate the value used as a baseline from the actual process of taking a baseline
measurement.
Baseline QA Template 11
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To maintain a stable temperature, the instrument should remain powered on at all times,
connected to power via the PDI 24 hours per day. Store the instrument in the treatment room, but
not in a location where a primary beam may occur.
If the Daily QA 3 is powered off, power it on and allow it to warm up for 10 minutes before using.
For more information about preparing for measurements, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or
the software Help Index.
Measurement
Screen illustrations, orientation illustrations, and detector layouts in this section show Daily QA 3
only. When connected to other instruments, screens have a slightly different appearance.
See the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index for more information about QA
measurements.
1 In the Scheme Tree, select the machine or template (A).
G
D
A B
F
E
Figure 4-1. Steps to Make an Exposure
2 Click the drop-down handle (B) above the image of the instrument to display Daily QA 3 setup
details. Position instrument as described.
3 For an rf-Daily QA 3, ensure:
Power switch is ON.
CAUTION: Never place the base station in the direct beam. Direct radiation will damage the
base station and void the factory warranty.
4 Set up exposure parameters on the linac to match values under Machine Setup (C).
5 Ensure Background text box on DAILY QA 3 toolbar displays Yes. If not, click Background and
perform a background manually. See the Reference Guide or the software Help Index for
instructions.
6 Click Start (D) and deliver the prescribed dose for the template. The beam status displays in
the Status box in the DAILY QA 3 toolbar.
7 When the beam turns off, review the Results panel. Values are color-coded: green = all
passed; red = failure levels; yellow = values that fall between warning and failure levels. If
desired, enter comments about the test in the Measurement Notes text box.
8 To adjust an output value, apply a correction factor to the measurement by clicking Template
Dose Correction (E). The Template Dose Correction dialog box opens. Enter the target dose
and click Apply. The correction factor is applied automatically.
For more information about the Template Dose Correction, see the Daily QA 3 Reference
Guide or the software Help Index.
9 Click Record, Re-Do, or Cancel for the measurement (F).
When Record is selected, the software automatically advances to the next test template for
the machine and initiates data collection. Continue delivering the prescribed dose for each
template and record the results until all daily tests are complete.
10 To view trends for all templates, click Trend (G) in the top center of the screen.
See the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index for trending and reporting
details.
Printing Reports
14 Section 4. QA Measurement
5 Support and Maintenance
Maintaining Hardware
Repair
There are no user-serviceable components in the Daily QA 3 or the Power Data Interface (PDI). If
there are problems with the devices, contact Sun Nuclear. See Contacting Sun Nuclear Support on
page 19.
CAUTION: Do not open the housing unless you are performing an upgrade that has been
approved by Sun Nuclear Corporation.
If the Daily QA 3 housing or casing is damaged such that the device integrity is compromised,
return the device to Sun Nuclear Corporation for repair.
Inspect cables periodically for damage. Return damaged cables to Sun Nuclear Corporation for
repair or replacement if any mechanical or electrical degradation is suspected.
Additional service information is available on the Sun Nuclear web site:
www.sunnuclear.com/support
Cleaning
Clean the instruments with a soft dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, solvents, or abrasives.
Storage
Store the instrument in an indoor, protected environment where the instrument will not be
irradiated by the direct beam.
Disposing and Recycling
The Daily QA 3 instrument contains electrical components. In some countries the disposal of
electrical components is subject to special requirements. When the components are no longer
functional or are otherwise ready to be discarded, recycle or dispose of them according to local
waste management or recycling regulations.
Although detectors are designed to be exposed directly to the beam, the electronic processing
circuits can be damaged by direct exposure to ionizing radiation. The electronic circuits are
located in the raised end of the instrument behind the line that is labeled KEEP DIRECT BEAM
ABOVE THIS LINE. To minimize damage to electronics:
Never allow any direct radiation beyond the KEEP DIRECT BEAM ABOVE THIS LINE
mark on top surface of device.
Never expose electronics portion of instrument to beam.
Never leave the device on couch during warm-up.
Never store device where it can accidentally be irradiated, such as a shelf in the
treatment room that is irradiated by the beam when the linac is rotated.
Avoid frequent use of thick buildup that may cause scattered radiation that will damage
the electronics. Note that adding extra buildup is not normally necessary for daily QA
measurements and may increase the scattered radiation to the electronics.
Maintaining Hardware 15
Troubleshooting
Daily QA 3 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting 17
The last item, 'Device Faults', shows the pattern if the firmware detects a fault in instrument. If a
'Device Fault' is indicated, contact Sun Nuclear Corporation Support. See Contacting Sun Nuclear
Support on page 19. A device fault may be caused by:
1 Pressure reading beyond limits: <70 kPA or >115 kPA
2 High voltage reading beyond limits: < -400 V or > -300 V
3 ADC rails, upper or lower limits were hit.
If the measurement circuit (including ADC) is intact and LED B comes on after the device is
powered up, the cause could be either item 1 or 2. If LED B is lit after starting a measurement,
item 3 is the likely cause.
rf-Daily QA 3 End Panel
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
12 11
No Description Function
1 RECEIVE Green LED flashes when rf unit is receiving.
2 TRANSMIT Green LED flashes when rf unit is transmitting.
3 CHARGE STATUS ReadyGreen LED is lit when all battery charging parameters are within
limits.
4 CHARGE STATUS ChargeYellow LED is lit when batteries are charging.
5 CHARGE STATUS FaultRed LED is lit when a charging fault is detected.
6 LOW BAT Red LED turns on when approximately one hour of battery power remains.
7 Recessed Battery Manual override to restart battery charging when batteries have been deeply
override switch * discharged. See Daily QA 3 Troubleshooting on page 16.
8 ON LED is green when power is applied via battery or PDI cable.
9 BAT PWR Push button battery power switch (in = ON; out = OFF). The battery power
switch should always be OFF when instrument is stored or if instrument is
being shipped.
10 +18 VDC +18 VDC input power jack for charging only. Connecting power to the +18
VDC jack causes the instrument to turn off during charging cycle.
11 Status LEDs Status LEDs for basic Daily QA 3. See Daily QA 3 End Panel on page 17.
12 PWR/DATA connector Power/data cable connector. Not used with rf operation but can be used
instead of the rf link if the rf link is inoperable. To use as a wired instrument,
disconnect the power/data cable from the Base Station and plug it in here.
* To reset the charge circuit and allow the device to begin charging again, apply AC power, then lightly press
and hold the recessed override switch for 3 seconds using a pointed, non-metallic object.
PDI Troubleshooting
See Technical Bulletin 2-09, Power Data Interface for:
A list of problems which may occasionally occur when using the PDI.
An explanation of the controls and indicators on the PDI.
The bulletin can be downloaded from the Sun Nuclear Support website for Daily QA 3.
Warranty
The Sun Nuclear Product Warranty can be found on the Sun Nuclear Support web site,
www.sunnuclear.com/support.
Log in using your email address and the serial number of any Sun Nuclear instrument used at your
facility.
Daily QA 3 Specifications
For more information, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
20 Section 6. Specifications
Category Characteristic Specification
Medical Electrical Basic Safety and Certified to meet IEC 60601-1.
Equipment Essential
Classification Performance
Electromagnetic Certified to meet IEC 60601-1-2.
Performance Class I
Buildup and Inherent buildup over Actual: Acrylic, 0.74 cm
backscatter primary ion chambers Effective: 1.0 0.1 g/cm2
Inherent buildup over Actual: Acrylic, 0.77 cm
diode detectors Effective: 1.0 +- 0.1 g/cm2
Inherent backscatter Actual: FR-4 0.16 cm; Acrylic, 1.27cm
Effective: 1.7 g/cm2
Electron energy Chamber eTR, air/acrylic buildup, 0.2 g/cm2
chamber buildup Chamber eBR, Cu/acrylic buildup, 4.3 g/cm2
Chamber eBL, Al/acrylic buildup, 0.7g/cm2
Chamber eTL, Fe/acrylic buildup, 3.0 g/cm2
Chamber CAX, acrylic buildup, 1.0 g/cm2
Temperature and Temperature Sensor1 integrated circuit plus 5 thermistors
pressure Range0C to +50C
Non-linearity0.67% over measurement range
Accuracy2.0C without user calibration
Measurement Resolution0.05C
Display Resolution0.1C
Pressure SensorTemperature compensated on-chip bipolar operational
amplifier and thin film resistor network
Measurement, Slope Transfer Function between Output voltage
and Supply voltage
Range15 to 115 kPa (112 to 862 mmHg) (1 atm = 101.33 kPa)
Non-linearity1.5% over measurement range
Accuracy2kPa without user calibration
Measurement Resolution0.0035kPa
Display Resolution0.01kPa
Physical Dimensions 25.6 cm wide, 40.8 cm long, 4.6 cm thick (10.09 x 16.07 x 1.82)
Weight 5.7 kg (12 lb.)
Connection ports and POWER/DATA8 pin DIN, provides power to Daily QA 3 and bi-
indicators directional data between PC and Daily QA 3
LEDsA, B, C, D: Status indicators
Service life 10 years
Power supply Type Switching, general purpose IEC 320 socket, Class I power inlet for
straight cable entry
Supply voltage range 100 to 240 VAC, automatically switching; 47-63 Hz
DC power output +18 VDC, 1 amp, 2.5 mm center positive plug
Dimensions 8.7 cm long, 4.7 cm wide, 3.3 cm high
Weight 0.17 kg (6 ounces)
Cables POWER/DATA 25 m power/data, 8 pin DIN, connects Daily QA 3 to PDI
USB 2 m USB, 4 pin, A and B plugs, connects PDI to computer
Power cord 2 m power, IEC straight plug line cord, 3 conductor
22 Section 6. Specifications
7 Software Reference
Daily QA 3 Client Software Interface
For more complete software interface details, see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software
Help Index.
When launched, the Daily QA 3 client software opens in the main view (Figure 7-1).
6
1
2
4
8
Show/hide the
machine setup
details
Scheme Tree
The Scheme Tree is an indented list of sites, rooms, machines, and tests scheduled for the
selected date. Select a day on the calendar to display the tests for that day. Test templates are
indented under each machine. Items that appear in the Scheme Tree are set up using the Scheme
Tree Setup forms. To set up or change the tree, log in as a physicist, then select Setup > Scheme
Tree from the menu.
Tests can be set up on a daily, weekly, monthly, or annual basis. However, tests scheduled for a
given day are only visible when that day is selected on the calendar.
The Scheme Tree can be altered to only show tests for a single room by configuring Program
Preferences (Setup > Program Preferences > Scheme Tree tab). See the Daily QA 3 Reference
Guide or the software Help Index for more details.
Results
The Results panel shows calculated results of a QA measurement. The Results panel appears in
both QA view and Trend view, with minor differences. For more details, see the Daily QA 3
Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
Selected
Point
Symbols
Limit
Line
Graph Controls
Controls above the graph affect the appearance of the data in the graph. If graph controls are not
visible, click the arrow at the top, center of the graph; click again to roll them up. For more details,
see the Daily QA 3 Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
Symbols
The symbols displayed in the Results panel match the symbols in the graph.
For a detailed explanation of these parameters, see the Calculations section in the Daily QA 3
Reference Guide or the software Help Index.
The following symbols are used in this document and in Sun Nuclear Corporations product labels.
WARNING: This symbol indicates a risk of electric shock. (EN ISO 7010)
WARNING: This symbol indicates a hazard that could result in major injury or
equipment damage. (EN ISO 7010)
CAUTION: This symbol indicates a potential hazard that could result in minor injury or
equipment damage. (EN ISO 15223-1)
Operator Responsibility
This manual is intended for an operator who has a working knowledge in radiation physics and
dosimetry and who has experience working with treatment machines and accessories. The
operator of the device bears the full responsibility for validating measurement results.
The device and its accessories must not be used for any other purpose than described in this
manual (see Intended Use on page iii). Violation may result in loss of warranty.
This equipment must be used in accordance with the instructions in this manual. Read all
instructions and safety labels before use.
Do not use with any power source that does not match the power ratings listed on the power
supply.
WARNING: When using the Isocentric Mounting Fixture (IMF), stay clear of the IMF
and the instrument while rotating the gantry to prevent injury.
For instructions to report health or safety related concerns, see Reporting Health or Safety Related
Issues or Concerns below.
Any changes or modifications to the device that are not expressly approved by Sun Nuclear
Corporation could void your warranty.
Environmental Requirements
Operating
The device must be operated within normal laboratory conditions maintained for human comfort:
Temperature: 18 to 30 C (64 to 86 F); Relative Humidity: 20 to 80%.
Storage
The device should be stored in a climate-controlled environment.
Radio Interference
The rf-Daily QA 3 complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Should the need arise to report any safety or health related issues or concerns regarding the use
of Sun Nuclear products, Sun Nuclear should be contacted directly or in the case of our European
customers, our Authorized European Representative.
Sun Nuclear's Authorized European Representative is:
EMERGO EUROPE
Prinsessegracht 20
2514 AP The Hague
The Netherlands
Australian Sponsor
alphaXRT Pty. Ltd.
Suite 1.15, Level 1, 90-96 Bourke Road, Alexandria NSW 2015
Australia
To maintain compliance with IEC 60950-1, Safety of Information Technology Equipment, the PDI
USB port must be connected to external computer equipment that is compliant with IEC 60950-1.
EMC Precautions
The instrument complies with IEC 60601-1-2, Electromagnetic Performance standards, and the
operator should ensure that it is used in such an environment.
Table 1. Manufacturers Declaration - Electromagnetic Emissions
Immunity Test IEC 60601 Test Compliance Level Electromagnetic Environment - Guidance
Level
Electrostatic discharge 6 kV contact Passed 2 kV, 4 kV and 6 Floors should be wood, concrete or
(ESD) kV contact discharge ceramic tile. If floors are covered with
8 kV air
IEC 61000-4-2 Passed 2 kV, 4 kV and 8 synthetic material, the relative humidity
should be at least 30%.
kV air discharge
Electrical fast transient/ 2 kV for Passed 2 kV to power Mains power quality should be that of a
burst power supply lines typical commercial or hospital
lines environment.
IEC 61000-4-4 Passed 1 kV to signal
1 kV for input/ bundles
output lines
Surge 1 kV line(s) to Passed up to 2 kV Mains power quality should be that of a
line(s) (L-GND) typical commercial or hospital
IEC 61000-4-5 environment.
2 kV line(s) to Passed up to 1 kV
earth (L-L)
Voltage dips, short <5% UT Passed < 5%, 40% and Mains power quality should be that of a
interruptions and volt- (>95% dip in 70% typical commercial or hospital
age variations on power UT) for 0.5 environment. If the user of the device
supply input lines Passed 95% requires continued operation during
cycles interruptions
IEC 61000-4-11 power mains interruptions, it is
40% UT recommended that the 1D Scanner be
(60% dip in UT) powered from an uninterruptible power
for 5 cycles supply or a battery.
70% UT
(30% dip in UT)
for 25 cycles
<5% UT
(>95% dip in
UT) for 5 cycles
Power frequency (50/60 3 A/m Passed up to 3A/m Power frequency magnetic fields should
Hz) magnetic field be at levels characteristic of a typical
IEC 61000-4-8 location in a typical commercial or
hospital environment.
NOTE: UT is the a.c. mains voltage prior to application of the test level.
Immunity Test IEC 60601 Test Compliance Level Electromagnetic Environment - Guidance
Level
Portable and mobile RF communications
equipment should be used no closer to
any part of the device including cables,
than the recommended separation
distance calculated from the equation
applicable to the frequency of the
transmitter.
Recommended separation distance
Conducted RF 3 Vrms 3 Vrms 3.5
IEC 61000-4-6 150 kHz to 80
d = ------- P
V1
MHz
Radiated RF 3 V/m 3 V/m Recommended separation distance
IEC 61000-4-3 80 MHz to 2.5 3.5
GHz d = ------- P =80 MHz to 800 MHz
V1
7
d = ------ P =800 MHz to 2.5 GHz
E1
where:
P is the maximum output power rating
of the transmitter in watts (W) accord-
ing to the transmitter manufacturer,
and
d is the recommended separation dis-
tance in meters (m).
aField strengths from fixed RF transmit-
ters, as determined by an
electromagnetic site survey, should be
less than the compliance level in each
frequency range.
NOTE 1: At 80 MHz and 800 MHz, the higher frequency range applies.
NOTE 2: These guidelines may not apply in all situations. Electromagnetic propagation is affected by absorp-
tion and reflection from structures, objects and people.
a. Field strengths from fixed transmitters, such as base stations for radio (cellular/cordless) telephones and
land mobile radios, amateur radio, AM and FM radio broadcast and TV broadcast cannot be predicted
theoretically with accuracy. To assess the electromagnetic environment due to fixed RF transmitters, an
electromagnetic site survey should be considered. If the measured field strength in the location in which the
device is used exceeds the applicable RF compliance level above, the device should be observed to verify
normal operation. If abnormal performance is observed, additional measures may be necessary, such as
re-orienting or relocating the device.
b. Over the frequency range of 150 kHz to 80 MHz, field strengths should be less than 3 V/m.
EMC Precautions 31
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