Mammography compression force in New Zealand

Maximum compression forces have been measured in New Zealand on 37 mammography machines, using a simple hydraulic device. The median measured maximum force was 145 N, and the range 58 to 230 N. Much greater attention needs to be paid to the setting of maximum force for compression devices by service personnel. Compression devices must be included in the quality assurance programme. Where indicated by the machine, the accuracy of the indicated force for some machines is poor.