Statement on the use of Digital Mammography for Breast Screening in England

Published June 2008, Version 6

Digital imaging equipment for use in the Breast Screening Programme must at least meet the minimum standards specified in NHSBSP Equipment report 0604 Version 2, September 2006¹. The main dose and image quality standards are the same as those in European guidelines.² Technical evaluations against these standards are conducted on each of the commercially available systems. Systems that meet the minimum standards in the NHSBSP are also tested clinically to evaluate practical issues such as throughput, use of previous films in softcopy reporting and connectivity.

These evaluations are ongoing and their conclusions will be reviewed by the NHSBSP. Information on the progress of these evaluations is provided on the website. Decisions on the suitability of equipment for use in the NHSBSP (England) should be made after a review of both the technical and clinical evaluations and after consultation with the national office of the NHSBSP.

¹NHSBSP Equipment report 0604 Version 2, September 2006.

²Van Engen R, Young KC, Bosmans H and Thijssen M. The European protocol for the quality control of the physical and technical aspects of mammography screening. Part B: Digital mammography. In: European Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening, 4th Edition. Luxembourg: European Commission, 2006).

NHS Breast Cancer Screening Publications