Reference levels for image quality in mammography

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Quality Assurance

Background:

• Diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are established tools for optimizing radiation doses in diagnostic radiology.
• The 'worst quarter' principle, typically used for dose, can also identify suboptimal image quality practices.
• Mammography center performance in Slovenia is evaluated annually through technical testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usefulness of reference levels for mammography centers.
• To present ten years of mammographic testing results (1996-2006) in Slovenia.
• To assess the application of the 'worst quarter' principle for both dose and image quality.

Main Methods:

• Annual technical testing of mammography centers.
• Determination of average glandular dose.
• Evaluation of technical image quality using mammographic phantom images.
• Derivation of image quality parameters and establishment of reference levels.

Main Results:

• Ten years of mammography center performance data (1996-2006) were analyzed.
• Reference levels were established for specific image quality parameters.
• The study demonstrated the practical application of reference levels for quality assessment.

Conclusions:

• Reference levels are useful for identifying and improving mammography practices with suboptimal performance.
• Annual evaluation using reference levels contributes to quality assurance in mammography.
• The 'worst quarter' principle effectively identifies centers needing improvement in dose and image quality.