Technical quality control practices in mammography screening programs in 22 countries

Abstract

Objective: To assess current technical quality control (QC) practices within breast cancer screening or surveillance programs internationally.

Materials and methods: The International Breast Cancer Screening Network (IBSN) conducted an extensive survey of quality assurance (QA) activities in developed countries known to have population-based breast cancer screening or surveillance programs in place. Twenty-three countries were sent questionnaires that included items about QA and QC requirements at screening sites, the minimum frequencies of QC test performance, and the personnel responsible for performing QC tests.

Results: All 23 countries in the IBSN completed general information on their QA practices. Twenty-two countries responded with complete details on their technical QC practices. The responses indicated a pattern of consistently high-quality control practices among population-based breast cancer screening and surveillance programs. Most programs performed the great majority of QC tests. Variations were observed in the performance frequencies of QC tests and in the personnel responsible for performing QC tests.

Conclusion: QC practices among population-based breast cancer screening and surveillance programs are highly evolved, with the great majority of responding countries following prescribed QC protocols. Further research is needed on appropriate performance frequencies for mammography QC tests.