Does your facility need a digital mammo system? These devices come with big price tags, and one way to save is to choose a used or refurbished system.
Even then the price is substantial, so you’ll want to make sure you choose the perfect one to fit your specific needs. Here are three considerations to keep in mind while making your selection.
With Full-Field Digital Mammography, images from the device are recorded directly onto a computer, eliminating the need for physical storage. In fact, the digital image is almost instantly available to the technologist and can also be viewed of any PACS workstation. This enables the images to be saved and manipulated by the radiologist. Another benefit to digital mammography is the reduction of radiation—almost 75% less than film-screen mammograms deliver.
So what are the three things to consider when you’re choosing a Digital Mammography System?
- Choose The Right Digital Mammography Detector
In digital mammography, there are two methods of image capture, each representing a different generation of technology: Direct Conversion and Indirect Conversion.
Direct Conversion digital detectors are the most technologically advanced. It eliminates problems associated with the light scatter that’s inherent in indirect systems. The most common photoconductor materials used in direct conversion detectors is amorphous selenius (a-Se). This detector uses a photoconductor to absorb the X-ray and a directly generate the signal. The photoconductor is thickly constructed and stops the majority of the incident X-rays. This is done without adversely affecting the spatial resolution. This is ideal in mammography with its dual needs of low radiation exposure and high resolution.
Indirect Conversion detectors have been used in early digital mammography equipment and involve a two-step process for X-ray detection. It uses a scintillating layer to absorb the X-ray and generate light photons. These are then detected by a photodiode array. A Cesium-iodide with thallium doping (Csl(TI).) is a common scintillator that’s used. However, there can be some light scatter during conversion in the process and can also reduce resolution.
- The Importance Of Detector Size
The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) requires mammography facilities to use at least two different screen-film sizes. These are 18 X 24 cm and 24 X 30 cm. While both have excellent image quality, bigger is actually better. In fact, the 18 cm X 24 cm digital detector size can’t take acceptable images of 20-30% of women in the U.S. Because these women have large or dense breasts, it would require multiple repositioning and compressions if a smaller detector was used. Because mammography is already stressful, this compounds the situation for a patient significantly.
By using the larger 24 cm X 30 cm detector image, you can crop the image to reduce data transfer—plus there’s a reduced need for display and storage space. The only downside is for those with smaller breasts, but if you use small compression paddles in conjunction with the larger detector, the problem is eliminated.
- Image Resolution is Vital
You want to be able to read extremely small objects when reading a mammogram. As you know, micro-calcifications can be as small as 100-200 microns. Digital detectors are made up of pixels. The smaller the pixel, the higher the resolution. When the pixel size of a digital imaging system is made smaller, the amount of data in the image increases rapidly. This can increase system costs in terms of network bandwidth, data storage and display capabilities. As a rule, the more detail you can see, the more expensive your system will be.
Talk To An Expert At Atlantis Worldwide
Need help determining which digital mammography system is right for your needs? Talk to the experts at Atlantis Worldwide. We’ll help you understand your options—from choosing a brand new system to buying a used or refurbished one that delivers the performance you want at a much lower price point. Contact Us Today!
Atlantis is passionate about discussing imaging systems that are essential for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month Click Here!
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- Picking a Mammography System
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- When Should You Evaluate Your Mammography Equipment?
- Mammography Resources Here!
- What's New in MRI Breast Imaging?
- Trends in Mammography Equipment & Future of Women’s Health
Meet the author: Vikki Harmonay
