Outline and Learning Guide

• Introduction and Overview
   

• Image Quality Requirements for Mammography
  High Contrast Sensitivity
  High Detail (Low Blurring)
  Low Visual Noise
  Minimal Artifacts
  Spatial Characteristics (Appropriate Projections and Field of View)
  
  Testing Image Quality
  The Phantom
  Masses
  Fibers
  Specks (Calcifications)
  Visibility Requirements
  Masses
  Fibers
  Specks (Calcifications)
  
  Factors Affecting Contrast Sensitivity
  Anatomical Environment
  X-ray Beam Spectrum
  Scattered Radiation
  Receptor and Image Display Contrast Characteristics
  
  The Anatomical Environment
  Breast Size and Thickness
  Breast Density
  
  Breast Compression
  Reduce and Equalize Variations in Breast Thickness
  Reduce Overlying Structures
  Reduce Motion Blurring
  
  Factors Affecting The X-ray Beam Spectrum
  Anode Material
  Molybdenum
  Rhodium
  Filter Material
  Molybdenum
  Rhodium
  KV
  
  Optimizing the X-Ray Spectrum
  Effect of Spectrum on Contrast and Dose
  Optimum Photon Energy
  Characteristic X-Radiation (Molybdenum and Rhodium)
  Filters (Molybdenum and Rhodium)
  KV Selection
  Automatic Spectrum Selection
  Contrast Mode
  "Dose" Mode
  
  Scattered Radiation
  Effect on Contrast
  Grids
  Air Gap (With Magnification)
  
  Factors that Affect Film/Screen Contrast Characteristics
  Film Design
  Film Exposure Level
  Film Processing Level
  Viewing Conditions
  
  Factors that Affect Digital Mammography Contrast Characteristics
  Digital Image Processing
  Digital image Windowing
  Characteristics of Image Display
  
  Factors that Affect Film Exposure Level
  Automatic Exposure Density Value Setting
  Density Control Setting
  AEC Sensor Location
  Variations in Receptor Sensitivity
  
  Factors that Produce Variations in Receptor Sensitivity
  Variations in Film Sensitivity (Speed) from Manufacturer's Batch to Batch
  Variations in Screens Within the Clinic
  Concept
  Quality Assurance Requirements
  AEC Tracking Error (Reciprocity Law Failure)
  Concept
  Quality Assurance Requirements
  Variation in Film Processing Level
  Concept
  Quality Assurance Requirements
  
  Factors that Produce Variations in Film Processing Level
  Chemical
  Type of Chemistry and Matching to Film
  Mixing and Dilution of Chemistry
  Replenishment Rates
  Physical
  Development Time
  Development Temperature
  Quality Assurance Requirements
   

• Film Viewing Conditions
  Viewbox Brightness
  Masking and Glare Control
  Room Illumination
  
  Summary

 

Learning Objectives

1.      Explain why mammography requires a high contrast sensitivity compared to most other radiographic procedures.

2.      Explain why mammography requires the highest visibility of detail (lowest blurring) of all radiographic procedures.

3.      Describe, and demonstrate if possible, how the different image quality characteristics of a mammography imaging procedure can be evaluated using a standard test phantom.

4.    Describe the general anatomical conditions associated with a breast that can have an effect on contrast sensitivity.

5.      Describe how breast compression improves image quality.

6.      Describe the general relationship between x-ray beam photon energy and dose to the breast.

7.      Describe the general relationship between x-ray beam photon energy and contrast sensitivity in soft tissue.

8.      Identify the general range of x-ray beam photon energies is generally optimum for mammography.

9.      Describe and sketch the general spectral characteristics of an x-ray beam used for mammography as produced with a molybdenum anode.

10.  Explain and illustrate the function of filters (molybdenum and rhodium) that as used in mammography.

11.  Identify the clinical conditions when it is most appropriate to use a rhodium filter.

12.  Identify  appropriate KV values that are appropriate to use for the arrange of breast thicknesses.

13.  Explain the control factors that an operator must select when using automatic spectral selection in mammography.

14.  Briefly described the contrast characteristics of film used for mammography in comparison to other radiographic procedures.

15.  Describe the significant of level of exposure (density) that must be considered during mammography procedures with respect to film contrast.

16.  Identify conditions that can result in film exposure errors in mammography.

17.  Explain why the level of development is  important  when processing mammography films.

18.  Identify several conditions that can result in under development of mammography films.

19.  Explain why it is necessary to have consistent processing of mammography films.

20.  Describe the special viewing conditions required for observing  mammography films.

Mind Map