What method is used to check the integrity of a teletherapy source?

The method of taking a swipe inside the collimator is crucial in checking the integrity of a teletherapy source. This procedure involves using a swipe test to detect any contamination on the source or in the collimator itself, which may arise from any leaks or damage to the source. The swipe is analyzed for the presence of radioactive material, ensuring that the source is still safely contained and has not experienced any degradation or loss of integrity. This is particularly important for patient safety and maintaining the regulatory standards required for handling radioactive materials in a clinical setting.

While visual inspection, checking alignment, and monitoring temperature are important for the overall maintenance and operational readiness of teletherapy systems, they do not specifically address the potential risks associated with the teletherapy source itself as directly as a swipe test does. Visual inspection may miss subtle leaks, alignment checks ensure proper targeting rather than source integrity, and temperature monitoring is not a typical method for assessing the physical state of the radioactive source. Therefore, taking a swipe inside the collimator is the most effective method for ensuring the teletherapy source remains safe and operational.