TH-SAM-201B-02: Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Equipment Surveys

Abstract

Dedicated Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Systems are currently exempt from MQSA regulations. Accreditation with the American College of Radiology (ACR) is voluntary. However there have been recommendations made to Congress for new legislation to require accreditation for all imaging modalities involved with breast care. The generally accepted standard for testing is the ACR accreditation program. Despite federal requirements for testing states may require routine testing by a qualified medical physicist. The ACR has published requirements for annual medical physics testing. These generally fulfill the individual state's requirements but there may be additional testing required. The ACR annual medical physics survey includes: 1. Unit assembly evaluation 2. Collimation assessment 3. Focal spot performance/system resolution 4. kVp performance 5. Beam quality (HVL) 6. AEC or manual exposure performance 7. Digital image uniformity 8. Breast radiation dosimetry 9. Image quality 10. Artifact evaluation 11. Localization accuracy The ACR annual testing requirements will be reviewed and discussed. Learning Objectives: 1. The participant will learn the details of the ACR recommended annual testing procedures for medical physicists. 2. Observations and recommendations for improvement will be discussed.