Quality Assurance Guidelines for Breast Imaging – Breast Imaging Society, India

Abstract

Quality Assurance in Breast Imaging is one of the cornerstones for providing high-quality breast care. It is central to achieving and maintaining high standards of breast radiology services. Uniform guidelines for the entire nation ensures that high standards can be achieved irrespective of geographical location of the imaging center and financial capability of the patient. No consensus document or guidelines focuses on Indian patients and its healthcare infrastructures. In this document, a task group formed by the Breast Imaging Society, India (BISI), sought to formulate quality assurance standards for all breast imaging modalities available in India. A breast imaging framework, practicable for all breast radiologists and institutions, has been provided to establish the minimum quality standards required for breast imaging services. The guidelines encompass all aspects of breast imaging, including mammography, breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging, and breast interventions. The recommended reporting format for various modalities is also included. The guidelines also provide the minimum training requirement for all members of the breast imaging service provision team, including radiographers and radiologists. The minimum standards for the equipment, as well as the unit, have also been addressed. The current quality assurance guideline aims to provide a holistic approach to standardize breast care imaging services in India.