Assessing Image Quality and Estimating the Glandular Average Dose in Some Mammography Labs

Mammography is the safest method of detecting breast cancer but, at the same time, the most exacting radiological examination which implies getting high quality images and a minimum dose per breast. The present study was carried out in six mammography laboratories, from which only one has partially implemented a programme of quality control. There were evaluated the phantom image, film contrast, background optical density (OD), density difference (DD), radiation beam quality, and the entrance surface air kerma was measured. The glandular average dose was also estimated. Compared to the reference lab, all the other five labs failed all the tests, obtaining unacceptable results both for the phantom image and for the contrast, for the OD and DD. The average glandular doses estimated for the standard breast varied between 1.4 and 7.7 mSv, being in four out of the six hospitals, statistically significant (p < 0.001), lower or higher than those currently accepted by international authorities (3mSv). Such simple quality control procedures will improve the chances of accurate diagnosis and reduce the probability of false negatives. This is particularly important for early detection and treatment of breast cancer which is the highest type of cancer among females.