What is the frequency requirement for testing therapy-related computer systems under 10 CFR 35.457 and under 10 CFR 35.657?
Sections 35.457 and 35.657 each require “acceptance testing on the treatment planning system” for therapy-related computer systems, “in accordance with published protocols accepted by nationally recognized bodies.” Accordingly, the testing is to be done at acceptance, unless the published protocol being used requires follow-up testing at some frequency to complete the acceptance testing. Similarly, acceptance testing of the treatment planning system should typically be performed following modification of the treatment planning system of a therapy-related computer system. Refer to “Supplementary Information,” Section III, “Summary of Public Comments and Responses to Comments” for 10 CFR 35.457 and 35.657, as published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2002. Also refer to “Code of Practice for Brachytherapy Physics: Report of the AAPM Therapy Committee Task Group No. 56,” Medical Physics 24(10): 1557-98 (October 1997).
