Mammo Tech QC Flashcards
Phantom Image Quality
Purpose: make sure image quality is good.
Frequency: Weekly
Equipment: ACR phantom, 24x30 cm paddle, 4 mmx1cm acrylic disk.(4.5cm filter/kvp selection)
Criteria: MAS w/in -/+ 15%. Optical density of at least 1.40. 2 fibers, 3 specks, 2 masses.
Correction:before clinical use
Compression thickness indicator
Purpose: ensure compression thickness indicates the correct degree of compression
Frequency: monthly
Equipment: 2” tape rolls 4-6 cm thick. Compress 15 lbs
Criteria: w/in +/- .5 cm
Correction: 30 days
Visual checklist
Purpose: make sure all lights, detents, paddles, mechanical locks.
Frequency: Weekly.
Equipment: Self assessment.
Criteria: (CRITICAL) Cleaning solution present, all locks working, no cracked paddles/face shields, no defective breast support.
(NON CRITICAL) Mag stands/paddles free from dust, indicators/collimators lights working, c arm motion must be smooth, paddle motion must be smooth.
Correction: Critical before exams. Non critical 30 days
Acquisition/rad monitors
Purpose: Ensure monitors are free of dust/dirt or marks. Checks brightness & contrast (calibration).
Frequency: Monthly.
Equipment: Dry/lint free rag, cleaning solution, AWS QC form. AAPM TG 18/ SMPTE test pattern.
Criteria: 0%-5% of contrast boxes visible. 95%-100% contrast boxes visible. Line pair images at center & 4 corners are visible.
Correction: 30 days.
(For RAD monitors must use ACR phantom 2 fibers, 3 specks 2 masses)
Repeat Analysis
Purpose: Determine cause/number of repeats. Helps identify issues with machine, reduce pt exposure & improve efficiency.
Frequency: as needed. (Min of 250 pts, 1000 images)
Equipment: Data of repeats, calculator
Criteria: from 1 quarter to next shouldn’t be more than 2%
Correction: 30 days
(Ideally rate shouldn’t be more than 2% but can be 5%) (rejects are any images that cause exposure to the pt)
Compression Force
Purpose: checks there is sufficient force is applied by hands free initial power mode & can be maintained while image is taken & provides sufficient manual compression
Frequency: 6 mos
Equipment: towels, calibrated analog weight. Place weight on detector, compression is between 25-45 lbs. then use manual mode to compress to 25 lbs.
Criteria: a compression force of at least 25 lbs should be for both initial power drive & manual mode. Max compression should not pass by 45 lbs.
Correction: before any exams performed
Phantom image artifact
Using similar WL WW as rad room examine for artifacts broad area (as a whole without mag) ex: non uniformity, splotches, streaks, ghosting. Detailed area (full spatial resolution w/ mag). Ex: dead pixels.
Significant artifacts: ghosting, banding, gridlines, dead pixels, collimator cut off.
Manufacturer detector calibration
Purpose: assure system calibrated, erase artifacts/errors
Frequency: weekly
Equipment: flat field phantom 4 cm uniform thickness, enough to cover FOV
Criteria: multiple exposures w/ each filter standard/mag modes pass check
Correction: before any exams
