Fluke 18-220 User Manual

Nuclear Associates 18-220

Mammographic Accreditation Phantom

February 2005
Manual No. 18-220-1 Rev. 2
©2004, 2005 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies

Operators Manual

Table Of Contents

Section 1: General Information.................................................................. 1-1

1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 1-1

Section 2: Operation................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Use of Phantom ........................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Technical Specifications .............................................................................. 2-1

Section 3: Maintenance .............................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Care of Phantom.......................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Service and Repairs .................................................................................... 3-1

i

General Information

Introduction

1

Section 1

General Information

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Mammographic Phantom, Accreditation Model, was designed to test the performance of a
mammographic system by a quantitative evaluation of the system’s ability to image small structures
similar to those found clinically. Objects within the phantom simulate calcifications, fibrous calcifications
in ducts, and tumor or masses. The Phantom is designed to determine if your mammographic system
can detect small structures that are important in the early detection of breast cancer. Test objects within
the phantom range in size from those that should be visible on any system to objects that will be difficult
to see even on the best mammographic systems.

The 4.4 cm thick Mammographic Phantom is made up of a 7 mm wax block insert containing 16 sets of
test objects, a 3.4 cm (approx. 1-3/8”) thick acrylic base, and a 3 mm (1/8”) thick cover. All of this
together approximates a 4.5 cm compressed breast of average glandular/adipose composition. Included
in the wax insert are aluminum oxide, (Al
nylon fibers simulate fibrous structures and five different size lens shaped masses simulate tumors.

Figure 1-1. Mammographic Phantom, Accreditation Model 18-220

) specks to simulate micro-calcifications. Six different size

2 O3

1-1

Nuclear Associates 18-220

Operators Manual

FIBERS

SPECKS

MASSES

Test Objects

1. 1.56 mm nylon fiber

2. 1.12 mm nylon fiber

3. 0.89 mm nylon fiber

4. 0.75 mm nylon fiber

5. 0.54 mm nylon fiber

6. 0.40 mm nylon fiber

1. 0.54 mm Al2 O3 speck

2. 0.40 mm Al2 O3 speck

3. 0.32 mm Al2 O3 speck

4. 0.24 mm Al2 O3 speck

5. 0.16 mm Al2 O3 speck

1. 2.00 mm thick mass

2. 1.00 mm (thickness) mass

3. 0.75 mm (thickness) mass

4. 0.50 mm (thickness) mass

5. 0.25 mm (thickness) mass

Figure 1-2. Test Object Sizes

Figure 1-3. Position of Test Objects

Figure 1-2 lists the specification sizes of the test objects. Figure 1-3 show their position in relation to the
notched corner of the wax block.

1-2

Operation

Use of Phantom

2

Section 2

Operation

2.1 USE OF PHANTOM

Accreditation Program

Follow the detailed instructions furnished separately by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

General System Monitoring

Place the phantom on the image receptor surface in the same position as a breast. The nipple indent
marker should be positioned away from the chest wall, just as the nipple of the patient’s breast would be
positioned. Position the x-ray tube and compression device as you would for a craniocaudal examination
of a patient’s breast. Choose the kVp and mAs factors as you would use for an average 4.5 cm breast
and make an exposure. If the phototimer is used, set the phototimer to an inward position under the wax
portion of the phantom. Use the phototimer settings as you would for an average 4.5 cm compressed
breast. Process the exposed film or xeroradiographic plate. This image will represent the imaging
abilities of your machine using these clinical factors. If the image is over or under exposed, make a
suitable adjustment in your factors and repeat the exposure. This is an indication that adjustments may
be necessary for patient imaging of these compressed breast thicknesses and should be checked.

Interpretation of Image

Once an acceptable image has been obtained, have one or more viewers identify and record which
objects are seen. Use a magnifying glass to look for the structures as you would on a patient’s
mammogram. A good imaging system should be able to see the 3
mass.

rd

speck group, 4th fiber, and the 3rd

2.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Accreditation Phantom is manufactured to specifications provided by the American College of
Radiology.

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Nuclear Associates 18-220

Operators Manual

2-2

Maintenance

Care of Phantom

3

Section 3

Maintenance

3.1 CARE OF PHANTOM

The phantom is fragile to impact and is adversely affected by extended exposure to temperature above
110 degrees F. The phantom should be kept clean and stored in a cool dry place when not in use.

3.2 SERVICE AND REPAIRS

If your Mammographic Accreditation Phantom needs service or repairs, please contact Fluke Biomedical,
Radiation Management Services at 516.870.0100 or by Fax [phone].

3-1

Fluke Biomedical

Radiation Management Services

6045 Cochran Road
Cleveland, Ohio 44139

440.498.2564

120 Andrews Road
Hicksville, New York 11801

516.870.0100

www.flukebiomedical.com/rms