An assessment of digital stereotaxis in the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme

A woman may be invited back for further assessment if an abnormality is found on her mammogram. A stereotactic attachment is used to determine where to place the biopsy device. Digital equipment has the advantage of providing images almost instantaneously and utilising software to determine the location of the sampling device. These devices should make the procedure quicker and hence less traumatic for the women. However, digital devices have poorer spatial and contrast resolution, which could adversely affect the accuracy of sampling device placement. Although the dose received during a normal screening mammogram is well known, the dose for the stereo procedure is unknown, partly because only a small part of the breast is directly irradiated. However, the lady may undergo multiple exposures. For a prospective survey of doses and technique arm of the study a proforma was completed for 134 women. The dose women received during a stereotactic procedure was estimated.