A survey of dosimetry quality assurance practice at UK small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) facilities.

Improvements in preclinical radiation research have been made to better mimic the equipment and techniques implemented in the clinic. The development of dedicated small animal radiation units facilitates such advances by combining treatment planning, image guidance and conformal delivery. One area significantly behind its clinical equivalent are standardised dosimetry quality assurance (QA) protocols, hampering the translatability of results into the development of clinical interventions. Approach: The aim of the study described herein was to summarise the current QA procedures implemented at several institutions on Small Animal Radiation Research Platforms (SARRPs), the system used by the six institutions surveyed, and to determine the barriers to implementing a standard dosimetry protocol. Participants at UK research institutions were invited to complete a questionnaire to ascertain their current preclinical QA practice. Main results: All participants involved undertake regular dose output measurements and most perform image guidance QA measurements. Consistency in QA procedures differed when more complex plan verification or end-to-end testing was discussed. Significance: This survey demonstrates that, although improvements are being made in the awareness of the importance of regular dosimetry tests, there is still a way to go to standardise the procedures with regards to more complex verifications. Incorporating robust QA procedures and strict dose constraints would ensure the reliability and ethical integrity of experiments involving small animals. This approach not only protects the welfare of the animals but also enhances the quality and reproducibility of the preclinical results.