Quantitative assessment of image quality in mammography: results from phantom studies in Ghana

Abstract

Quantitative image quality assessment have been undertaken on eight (A – H) mammography systems in Ghana to review the overall condition of mammography equipment with respect to image quality in order to suggest improvements in the practice. Quantitative image analysis was performed with ImageJ software using the “Rose Model” by simulating three different thicknesses of breast. The results from calculated values of signal – to – noise ratio (SNR) shows that the quality of images from three systems for all three thickness were of good quality. All images from the test on the 20 mm phantom were all of good quality. Three systems recorded good images for the 45 mm phantom. Two systems recorded poor image quality for the 45 mm phantom. Images of the 70 mm phantom from five systems were of poor quality. Results shows that images of thicker simulated breast recorded poorest quality. It is recommended that adequate compression is achieved before patients are exposed