Full-Field Digital Mammography Workflow

Within the United States, breast centers are actively transitioning from screen-film mammography to full-field digital mammography. Mammography departments can take many lessons from the rest of radiology when considering the conversion from analog to digital imaging. Just as in the rest of radiology, understanding and planning for the workflow changes that will occur are critical to a seamless conversion. This transition will affect all aspects of patient care in the department, and must be done within the fiscal limitations confronting breast centers. To a large degree, the workflow is dependent on the equipment that is purchased. The purpose of this article is to outline critical operational workflow considerations during the transition to full-field digital mammography.