FDA: Screen-film mammography in decline, but still associated with high percentage of issues
Fifteen years after full-field digital mammography (FFDM) was first used by clinicians, FFDM units make up more than 97 percent of all mammography units in the U.S., according to the FDA’s website.
However, between 2005 and 2014, screen-film mammography still accounted for more than 60 percent of all Additional Mammography Reviews (AMRs) and Patient and Provider Notifications (PPNs).
“Despite the recent rapid drop in the number of screen-film units since 2008, screen-film facilities have been over-represented in facilities with image quality issues,” the FDA said in a statement.
The FDA’s statement also suggested that facilities still using screen-film units may want to start considering making the switch to FFDM units.
“With the very small number of screen film units left, and if the current trend continues, it seems that screen film mammography might go the way of xeromammography in the not too distant future,” the FDA said. “The overrepresentation of this technology in compliance issues serves as food for thought about the appropriateness of the declining use of screen-film mammography in the U.S.”
Facility loses MQSA certificate
In other FDA-related news, the agency recently published the notice it sent to Richard D. Adelman, MD, stating that Adelman’s North Carolina-based practice had its MQSA certificate placed in a “no longer in effect” status following a AMR and PPN.
The full notice, posted in accordance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), is available on the FDA’s website.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.