Exploratory survey of initial image quality in new digital mammography units prior to use in patients in Mexico

In Mexico, previous studies performed to evaluate the image quality in 2D digital mammography facilities show a poor image quality that is not compatible with mammography screening that may modify breast cancer mortality rate. Image quality is lost due to the quality assurance programs are not implemented. We carried out an exploratory survey of thirty-six new (FFDM) units from a single manufacturer installed in several cities of the Mexican Republic with two types of target/filter combination (Mo/Mo and W/Rh). Tests were performed according to NOM-041-SSA1-2011 (Mexico), the regulation indicates that all facilities using digital mammography systems must maintain a QC program equal to the QC program recommended by the manufacturer. However, QC program recommended by the manufacturer meets with FDA and ACR Regulations. Digital mammography units evaluated exceeds quality image standards established by the ACR and FDA, even though, the W/Rh combination achieved a higher performance and reduces the average glandular dose. All mammography units met the quality control standards established by ACR, FDA and Mexican regulations. Then, the objective of this study was to evaluate the initial image quality and compliances with the manufacturer's quality control specifications before use it in patients in new full-field 2D digital mammography (FFDM) units and compares average glandular dose (AGD) with FFDM units using different anode/filter combinations (Mo/Mo and W/Rh).