1. A. A licensee authorized to use a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit for medical use shall perform spot-checks of each gamma stereotactic radiosurgery facility and on each unit:

   1. 1. Monthly;
   2. 2. Before the first use of the unit on a given day; and
   3. 3. After each source installation.

2. B. A licensee shall:

   1. 1. Perform the measurements required by subsection (A) in accordance with written procedures established by an authorized medical physicist. That individual need not actually perform the spot-check measurements.
   2. 2. Have the authorized medical physicist review the results of each spot-check within 15 days. The authorized medical physicist shall notify the licensee as soon as possible in writing of the results of each spot-check.

3. C. To satisfy the requirements of subsection (A)(1), spot-checks shall, at a minimum:

   1. 1. Assure proper operation of:

      1. a. Treatment table retraction mechanism, using backup battery power or hydraulic backups with the unit off;
      2. b. Helmet microswitches;
      3. c. Emergency timing circuits; and
      4. d. Stereotactic frames and localizing devices (trunnions).

   2. 2. Determine:

      1. a. The output for one typical set of operating conditions measured with the dosimetry system described in R9-7-733(B);
      2. b. The difference between the measurement made in subsection (C)(2)(a) and the anticipated output, expressed as a percentage of the anticipated output;
      3. c. Source output against computer calculation;
      4. d. Timer accuracy and linearity over the range of use;
      5. e. On-off error; and
      6. f. Trunnion centricity.

4. D. To satisfy the requirements of subsections (A)(2) and (A)(3), spot-checks shall assure proper operation of:

   1. 1. Electrical interlocks at each gamma stereotactic radiosurgery room entrance;
   2. 2. Source exposure indicator lights on the gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit, on the control console, and in the facility;
   3. 3. Viewing and intercom systems;
   4. 4. Timer termination;
   5. 5. Radiation monitors used to indicate room exposures; and
   6. 6. Emergency off buttons.
5. E. A licensee shall arrange for the repair of any system identified in subsection (C) that is not operating properly as soon as possible.
6. F. If the results of the checks required in subsection (D) indicate the malfunction of any system, a licensee shall lock the control console in the off position and not use the unit except as may be necessary to repair, replace, or check the malfunctioning system.
7. G. A licensee shall retain a record of each check required by subsections (C) and (D) for three years from the date of the procedure, and a copy of the procedures required by subsection (B) until licensee terminates all medical activities involving the radiosurgery unit.

Historical Note

New Section R9-7-739 recodified from R12-1-739 at 24 A.A.R. 813, effective March 22, 2018 (Supp. 18-1).