NEW COBALT-60 SOURCE BOOSTS MALAYSIA’S RADIOTHERAPY CALIBRATION CAPABILITIES

News from Member - SSDL, Malaysia

Author Correspondent:  KONSOH @ JOHN KONSOH SANGAU

E-mail: John_Konsoh@nm.gov.my

The Malaysian Nuclear Agency’s Secondary Standard Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL) has significantly enhanced its capabilities in ensuring the accuracy and safety of radiation therapy across the nation, following the successful replacement and commissioning of a new Cobalt-60  source in January 2023. This strategic update is pivotal to the laboratory's role in the calibration of therapy-level dosimeters.

As the Designated Institute (DI) for ionising radiation standards in Malaysia, the SSDL stands as the national reference laboratory, providing crucial calibration services that are traceable to the international measurement system. These services are indispensable for the country's 42 radiotherapy centres, which rely on precisely calibrated dosimeters to deliver accurate radiation doses to cancer patients. An accurate dosage is critical for effective treatment and patient safety.

The replacement of the Co-60 source was a significant development, ensuring the SSDL can maintain the highest level of accuracy and reliability in its calibration services. Radiation sources naturally decay over time, which can affect the uncertainty of measurements. By installing a new high-activity source, the SSDL not only improves the quality of its calibrations but also reduces measurement times, thereby increasing its service capacity.

This enhancement guarantees the continuity of therapy-level dosimetry services, reinforcing the SSDL's commitment to the national healthcare system. It ensures that all 42 radiotherapy centres in Malaysia can continue to have their instruments calibrated to the highest standards, directly benefiting patients and upholding the quality of cancer care in the country. This investment underscores the Malaysian Nuclear Agency's dedication to leveraging nuclear technology for peace, health, and prosperity.

ELDORADO-8, Coblat-60 Unit	The Control Room