Evaluation of the self-shielding characteristics of an innovative radiosurgical system ZAP-X.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation level of a ZAP-X self-shielding system by comparing it with the requirements of the Chinese radiation protection standards and to provide a practical solution for the operation of ZAP-X in China.

METHODS

Under the maximum workload of the ZAP-X system, the weekly radiation dose and the instantaneous dose rate (IDR) outside the safety perimeter of the ZAP-X system were compared to the requirements of relevant standards.

RESULTS

The maximum weekly and annual dose equivalents, derived from the IDRs and accumulative doses, were as follows:1.99 μSv/week and 0.10 mSv/year, and 3.47 μSv/week and 0.17 mSv/year, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The radiation levels around the ZAP-X system meet the requirements of the weekly and annual dose constraints in relevant Chinese standards. The IDRs generated by the ZAP-X system do not meet the requirements of the existing radiation protection standards. A viable solution is to adjust the safety perimeter to comply with existing standards.