Investigation of Quality Control and Average Glandular Dose and Image Quality in Digital Mammography in Hokkaido

A questionnaire survey about mammography in Hokkaido was mailed to 121 facilities from August to September 2009. We surveyed the conditions of digital mammography with regard to quality control (QC) and average glandular dose at 79 facilities in Hokkaido in 2009, and the results of the survey were compared with those of 2004. We found that digital mammography techniques were widely used across Hokkaido and that computed radiography (CR) systems were quite widespread, with 70% of facilities having them. The average glandular dose ranged from 1.04 to 2.3 mGy (mean: 1.73 mGy) for digital equipment. The results revealed several problems. Although the use of 1-, 2-, and 3-megapixel (MP) liquid crystal displays (LCDs) was not uncommon, 5-MP LCDs were used in most cases when reading digital mammograms. Facilities that have mammography equipment are unlikely to have quality control instruments for mammography. Although daily QC is performed in most facilities, further quality control for digital mammography should be developed, including that for monitors. In a second study, we evaluated the 1 Shot Phantom M Plus (1 Shot Phantom), which enables objective evaluation by providing for one physical measurement rather than a subjective visual analysis. The results indicated that the 1 Shot Phantom was very useful for digital mammography systems in daily QC testing because it enabled objectivity.