The field study of the mammography in Fukuoka prefecture. Second report. Investigation of glandular tissue dose and image quality

The research of the glandular tissue dose and image quality of the mammography in Fukuoka prefecture was performed from April to October 2000 at 50 mammography sites. Effects of the technical parameters, such as screen-film combinations, antiscatter grids, processing conditions, x-ray beam qualities, on the average glandular tissue dose and image quality were analyzed under two exposure conditions: The standard radiographic condition for a RMI156 phantom in each facility (Standard Radiographic Condition). The radiographic condition for obtaining the radiographic density of 1.40±0.15 with RMI156 phantom (Canonical Radiographic Condition). In the investigation in Fukuoka prefecture, facilities of 3 mGy or less at the average mammary gland dosage were 98%. In the meantime, image quality of 54% facilities was insufficient. Analysis of technical parameters affecting the glandular tissue dose and image quality will be useful for the establishment of breast cancer screening system using mammography. (author)