Mammography to go digital in 2010

ACT Health will take delivery of a state-of-the-art suite of digital mammography equipment early in the new year, including breast screening machines and an image storage and retrieval system, ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, said today.

“BreastScreen ACT provides free mammograms every two years for women aged 40 years and above with the focus on actively targeting women who benefit most from biennial screening – those in the 50-69 years age group,” Ms Gallagher said.

“There are approximately 15,000 women in that target age group, and that will double over the next five to ten years.

“This new suite of equipment will increase the capacity and effectiveness of our breast screening clinics.

“Three full field digital mammography machines and a Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS) will replace the current analogue machines used by BreastScreen ACT. These new mammography machines will provide higher quality images and reduce the number of unnecessary repeat screenings, while generating lower radiation exposure for clients.”

The Minister said the new technology would provide an incentive for radiologists to work in the ACT, while also lowering the potential risk of chemical injuries to staff.

“PACS will also allow images to be sent to radiologists anywhere in Australia for expert readings, making it easier for patient records to be transferred when patients move interstate,” Ms Gallagher said.

Two of the mammography machines will be installed at the Civic Health Centre and the third at the Phillip Health Centre. Implementation of the digital mammography suite is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2010.

2 January 2010