Medicinski vjesnik, Vol. 41 No. (1-2), 2009.
Stručni rad
Implementation of the quality control programme in mammography practice at University hospital Osijek: first results
Dario Faj
Ana Ivković
Damir Štimac
Dario Posedel
Zdenka Kotromanović
Zdravko Ivezić
Nenad Belaj
Ilijan Tomaš
Dragan Kubelka
Sažetak
Mammography is the most important diagnostic method for an early detection of the breast tumor. The radiologist's objective is to obtain the most accurate diagnostic information from mammography while keeping radiation dose acceptable to a patient. Image quality and patient doses depend on large number of factors, such as film speed and contrast, film processing, tube voltage, automatic exposure control, and breast size and composition. Also, image viewing conditions can considerably influence overall diagnostic accuracy of mammography. Due to number of steps involved in this process, the potential for mistakes increases. Reproducible high-quality images with reasonably low radiation doses are, in general, assured by comprehensive quality assurance program. The audit ot mammographic equipment performance, patients' dose, image quality and quality assurance program have been done in Croatia recently. Results showed that mammography in Croatia is inadequate and unstable, and that there is a need for quality assurance program implementation on a national level. Such a program was regulated by Law on Radiation Protection of the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette 64/06, Official Gazette 125/06). Mammography QA/QC programme, based on EC (European Commission) guidelines, was implemented at the University Hospital Osijek in 2007. According to technical characteristics and image quality assessment in compliance with EC criteria for image quality, appliances and way of work were corrected significantly. Image quality has been significantly improved, whereas measuring technical characteristics' and keeping them within limits recommended by EC enable a stability of image quality. Results show reduced number of images that have to be repeated due to bad quality.
Ključne riječi
Mammography; Image enhancement; Quality assurance, health care
Hrčak ID:
191648
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.12.2009.
Posjeta: 1.000 *