The use of a bar code scanner to improve the utility and flexibility of record and verify systems used in radiation therapy

Abstract

Record and verify systems used in radiation therapy serve a useful purpose in verification of machine parameters for each radiation field and monitoring the treatment as it is administered. There are, however, limitations as to the completeness of this monitoring. These restrictions are primarily due to design limitations of accelerators, which provide only a limited number of hardwired signals for use by such systems. The extent of the signals provided varies among manufacturers. As a result, some commonly used treatment accessories, such as blocking trays, may not be recognized by these systems. Additionally, current commercial record and verify systems cannot be expanded to accommodate institution-specific, customized treatment accessories or devices for positioning or immobilization of patients. This paper describes a complementary approach to providing device detection using a bar code scanner to read coded labels mounted on treatment accessories and download the data into the record and verify system for processing. A microcomputer-based system employing a portable bar code scanner was developed to evaluate the potential of this concept. Implications of adding bar code scanners to record and verify systems are discussed.