Topics covered in this article include:

• Introduction
• Prerequisites
• Adding Tests to QA Templates
  • TrueBeam MPC Version 2.5
  • TrueBeam MPC Version 2.7
  • TrueBeam MPC Version 3.0
  • Halcyon MPC All Versions
• Configuring Schedule Settings
• Importing MPC Data
• Setting Tolerances
• Troubleshooting

Introduction

MPC is a Varian tool used with the Isocal phantom to verify the operation of TrueBeam and Halcyon linacs. Support for Varian MPC software is version specific. If your version is not listed in the table below, please contact our support team for guidance to set up the MPC import:

The following beam check tests are provided:  

• Beam output constancy check
• Beam profile constancy check
• Beam center shift

Additionally multiple geometry tests are provided depending on the configuration of the machine. Users should follow Varian recommendations on the use of MPC in addition to the existing QA checks.

Prerequisites

Before attempting to configure the MPC Import, ensure that the following is available:

• the Varian utility to pull data and generate a PDF report
• the list of energies that will be captured

Adding Tests to QA Templates

MPC Import tests can be added to QA templates in the same manner as selecting other tests when setting up your QA templates and schedules. MPC tests are listed under the MPC Import section. The MPC Import tests can be combined with other test types to customize the template. In order to import MPC results using a PDF file, the PDF test under MPC PDF Import must be selected in the template builder:

The recommended tests vary by the version of MPC used. You will likely see variations based on your specific configuration. One strategy is to include all of the MPC tests on your template and hide the tests that are not used in your schedule settings. See the following sections for test recommendations. 

TrueBeam MPC Version 2.5

Below is the test selection window under the template creation page. The recommended tests for use with TrueBeam MPC version 2.5 are selected in the graphic. Note that MPC configurations vary and not all tests may be available at all facilities.

TrueBeam MPC Version 2.7

Below is the test selection window under the template creation page. The recommended tests for use with TrueBeam MPC version 2.7 are selected in the graphic. Note that MPC configurations vary and not all tests may be available at all facilities.

TrueBeam MPC Version 3.0

Below is the test selection window under the template creation page. The recommended tests for use with TrueBeam MPC version 3.0 are selected in the graphic. Note that MPC configurations vary and not all tests may be available at all facilities.

Halcyon MPC All Versions

Below is the test selection window under the template creation page. The recommended tests for use with TrueBeam Halcyon MPCs are selected in the graphic. Note that MPC configurations vary and not all tests may be available at all facilities.

Configuring Schedule Settings

In the software, the MPC import will need to be set up from the “Manage - Measurement Devices” page.

1. Navigate to the "Manage Schedule Configurations" page. Select the schedule that the MPC Import device will be used with and click the Schedule Settings button for that schedule.
2. Click the Edit Schedule Settings button.

3. Expand the Beam (MPC) section, expand the Beam Output (Photon) test, and click the Edit Test Settings button:  

   

4. As each energy is checked, a text box will be created, enter the energy as it is shown in the folder. See the example below where the energy is circled in red:
5. Click the Save button.
6. Expand the Beam Output (Electron) test, and click the Edit Test Settings button:  

   

7. As each energy is checked, a text box will be created, enter the energy as it is shown in the folder.
8. Click the Save button.

Importing MPC Data

We recommend uploading session reports rather than check reports. If you are uploading multiple check reports they should be uploaded and processed individually, starting with the oldest report and proceeding with the next oldest report until all files are uploaded.   

1. Open the Schedules page.
2. Click the schedule containing the MPC Import tests you wish to perform. The data entry page will open.
3. Drag and drop the MPC PDF files into the upload widget or us the Add files button to select the files for upload:
4. Optionally click Edit to edit the description.
5. Click the Start processing button.

Setting Tolerances

Typically tolerances will not be set in TotalQA for MPC imports. The import includes the action limits set by Varian. The action limit works the same way other tolerances do. The import does not include warning limits so they must be calculated. Varian sets warning limits to 90% of the action limit but unlike TotalQA uses greater than or equal to the warning limit. To ensure that TotalQA flags limits the same way as Varian, the warning limits are set to (0.9*action limit) -0.001.

The warning and action limits from Varian may be overridden by setting them in TotalQA.