Background/Introduction
In the last years also in Slovakia it is observed an extensive change in the technology and clinical practice of mammography examinations,
not only because of the use of digital mammography devices,
but also due to the new imaging methods,
exceeding the application of thomosyntesis and improving the diagnostic options.
Concerning the radiation load of the patients,
despite of the fact that the number of mammography examinations does not show a significant increase and the radiation load is lower than that of most frequent CT...
Description of activity and work performed
In the process of the optimization of radiation protection most of mammography departments in Slovakia use the automated system of the DQC (Dose Quality Control) that allows to track the long term image quality by using CDMAM,
the phantom enabling the precise evaluation of low contrast resolution (see Figure 1) and routine evaluation and archivation of the variety of small tumours,
microcalcifitate and fibrils recorded by the accreditation phantom (see Figure2).
Evaluation of the CNR (contrast to noise ratio) and the proper functions of the...
Conclusion and Recommendations
The introduction of the DQC into the clinical practice of mammography departments helps to standardize the processes involved in the optimization of the radiation load,
allows to detect and ignore substandard practices and improper habits in the implementation during performing of mammography examinations and,
ultimately,
leads to an increase in the quality of the display and the reduction of the radiation load of patients.
Personal/Organisational information
D.Šalát,
University of Ss.Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
[email protected]
D.Nikodemova,
Slovak Medical University in Bratislava
V.
Lehotska,
Oncology Institute of Ss.Elizabeth in Bratislava
The information contained in the DQC system may be available also for radiological technicians performing the mammography examinations or professional representatives responsible for radiation protection,
the authorities performing supervision and audits,
for professional representatives responsible for radiation protection,
the authorities performing supervision and audits,
alternatively,
for scientific and educational purposes.
References
1.
European Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Breast Screening and Diagnosis.Fourth Edition supplements.
European Commisiion,
Brussels,
2013
2.Mc Cullagh,J.,Keavy,E.,:Experience with the EU quality assurance guidelines for digital mammography systems in national screening programme.
Rad.Prot.
Dos.153(2),
p-223-226,2013
3.R.E.van Engen,and coll.:Protocols for the QC of the physical and technical aspects of digital breast tomosynthesis systems,Dutch Centre for Screening Mammography,Netherland,2015