The advancement of digital imaging has prompted more medical institutions to go filmless. The computed radiography (CR) system is becoming an important tool not only in diagnostic imaging, but also in radiation oncology. A new CR system that was specially designed for the use in radiation oncology, Fuji IP cassette type PII has been introduced to the market in the middle of year 2006. This project aimed to study some basic physical characteristics of this new type of cassette and explore its application for performing quality assurance (QA) tests and portal imaging in radiotherapy. All the images were read by FCR 5000 Plus reader. The image was found to reach its saturation value of 1023 (due to the image was stored in 10 bits data) by depending on the sensitivity value being adjusted. The uniformity test gave the result of 0.12%. The cassette was used to perform the QA tests which were previously performed using film. All the results met the specification as stated in AAPM Task Group 40. The comparison for the portal images of PortalVision contrast-detail phantom showed that the spatial resolution of the images obtained by CR system (Fujifilm Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) were better than the EPID (Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, USA) and film system (Eastman Kodak Co., New York, USA). The IP cassette type PII was found to be suitable as an alternative QA test tool and portal imaging in radiotherapy.
More than half of the world's population live in Asia-Pacific. This region is culturally diverse, with significant disparities in terms of socio-economic status, provision of health care and access to advanced technology. The medical use of ionising radiation is increasing worldwide and similarly within the Asia-Pacific region. In this paper, we highlight the current status in usage of ionising radiation in medicine in the region, and review the legal framework, implementation and activities in radiation protection. Asia-Pacific countries are active in strengthening radiation protection by promoting education and training. Various projects and activities initiated by international organisations such as the IAEA, WHO and ICRP have provided stimulation in the region, but more work is needed to continue to improve protection practices.