Use of Phantoms and Test Objects in Mammography: Standardisation of Quality and Dose Assessment in France

In France, test protocols for quality control programmes applicable to breast screening facilities include the use of the MTM100 standard mammographic phantom. Performance data, i.e. image quality and dose, were gathered in 169 mammography units. The mean image quality score value (limiting value = 24) was 34 ± 12 (1 sd) and the mean dose value (limiting desirable value = 10 mGy) was 8.6 mGy ± 3.5 (1 sd). Finally, a fairly good consistency was achieved between the dose measured on phantom (8.6 mGy ± 3.5 (1 sd)) and that measured in a sample of 32 unselected patients (6.6 mGy ± 3.5 (1 sd)). (author)