engleski

Implementation of Quality Control Programme in Mammography Practice at the University Hospital Rijeka: First Results.

Introduction: The objective of mammography is to obtain the best possible diagnostic information while keeping the radiation dose to the breast as low as reasonably achievable [1]. Fulfilment of these demands hold for every mammogram and as such requires comprehensive quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) programme. At the University Hospital Rijeka QC programme in mammography was implemented during the year of 2013. The programme is based on European Commission guidelines[2] and Croatian radiation protection law demands. Essential points of the programme and benefits gained will be presented. Materials and methods: The performance levels of mammography practice prior and following implementation of the QC programme were compared. Therefore respective parameters were measured and analysed: automatic exposure control (AEC) performance, dose to standard breast, dark room conditions, film-processing data and viewing conditions. The film reject rate and the image quality assessment were also evaluated. Beam parameters and dosimetric measurements were performed using Piranha multimeter (RTI Sweden). Image quality was evaluated using QUART Mam/Digi EPQC phantom. Constancy of processing unit was assured performing measurements of image developing parameters on daily basis. Results: The comparison showed significant improvements in constancy of developing parameters. Consequently image quality improved as well. Namely, prior the implementation of the programme image developing parameters varied in time. Also optical density of the images and viewing conditions did not meet recommendations [2]. After the programme implementation all parameters describing mammography practice image quality, viewing conditions, film processing parameters and dose to standards breast meet EC guidelines criteria [2]. Discussion: Introducting corrective actions into clinical practice can considerably improve mammography image quality and benefits could be visible very soon. Next step is building of framework for full QA implementation in mammograp hy practice which will include physicists, radiation technologists and radiologists.

Mammography ; dosimetry ; image quality

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