[Daylight processing system in radiotherapy. Technical changes and cost benefit analysis].

BACKGROUND

In radiotherapy portal and verification imaging take an important place in daily quality assurance procedures. Different types of films and cassettes have to be used to gain an optimal result for photon and electron beams.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We describe a modification of a machine for daylight processing, which has been technically enabled not only to process all X-rays from simulator, brachytherapy, CT and MRI but all film materials from portal and verification imaging as well without changing system's configuration. Using a light gap, verification films are automatically differentiated from portal films or from film material from simulation and the cassettes are automatically loaded with the new verification film. Furtheron, we took some attention on cost effectivity.

RESULTS

The daylight processing machine is sufficiently integrated into daily routine work load and spares a lot of staff time. Higher primary costs are overbalanced within a few years by lower supporting costs (Table 1). This is especially due to lower film material costs (Table 2), but also a result of staff time reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapeutic departments may gain much comfort using a daylight processing machine as development unit.