Implementation of the EFOMP protocol for quality control in digital mammography in a multi-hospital/vendor context

Abstract

Introduction The European Federation of Organisations in Medical Physics (EFOMP) has recently released a protocol for quality control (QC) in digital mammography with the intent of harmonizing and simplifying the QC procedures across the European countries. Purpose The aim of this work was to report our experience regarding the implementation of the EFOMP protocol for QC in digital mammography in a multi-hospital/vendor context. Materials and methods QC tests suggested by the EFOMP protocol were merged with mandatory tests by national (Italian) regulations in order to build a local QC protocol. The protocol was applied to one DR and three CR mammography systems developed by different vendors. Time needed for routine QCs was measured. A fast weekly test was implemented to assess the long term reproducibility of relevant quantities (dose and SNR). Results By employing one physicist and one technologist, the time needed for routine QC was: 4.5 h ± 0.5 h (annual tests), 2.5 h ± 0.5 h (semiannual tests), 0.2 h ± 0.1 h (weekly tests). For weekly tests, coefficients of variation of dose and SNR were below 6.0% (four-months period evaluated). By applying the developed protocol, two major and five minor anomalies were identified and corrected. Conclusions The EFOMP protocol could be adapted to local (Italian) regulations with minor modifications. Flexibility and simplification of routine QCs were advantageous in a busy multi-hospital/vendor context. Disclosure None.