AAPM Task Group Report 336: Quality assurance for 3D printing in medical imaging and radiation therapy applications

Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing, has been broadly used in the field of medical imaging and radiotherapy. In medical imaging applications, patient-specific anatomic models have been used to aid in preoperative planning, patient communication, imaging technique assessment and optimization, and medical education. Within the field of radiation therapy, 3D printing finds significance in fabricating patient-specific immobilization devices, custom bolus devices, anthropomorphic phantoms, brachytherapy devices, and electron therapy devices. Consistent with standard medical physics practices there is a need to establish quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) protocols, tolerances, and testing frequencies. The diversity of 3D printing technologies and products poses challenges for medical adoption and thus requires guidelines in workflow standardization and establishment of testing procedures. This report is centered around providing comprehensive vendor-neutral implementation guidelines and recommendations for QC and QA processes. The scope of this report encompasses diverse requirements within medical imaging and radiation therapy settings, serving both clinical and research purposes. Brief overview of 3D printing technology, common materials, and potential clinical applications is provided. QA team, infrastructure, measurement techniques and challenges are discussed. QA processes for each step in 3D printing are discussed in great detail and baseline and action limits are recommended. This report also touched on regulatory considerations. Key recommendations are summarized at the end of the report.

Duke Scholars

Author Joseph Yuan-Chieh Lo Radiology