Effects of delayed processing on mammographic phantom object detection.
OBJECTIVE
Delayed processing of films is a common occurrence in mobile mammography screening programs. The effects of such delayed processing on radiologists' detection of phantom test objects are investigated.


METHODS
Twelve screen-film combinations were exposed using a phantom and developed after delays of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days. Films were scored by three board-certified radiologists specializing in mammography, based on visibility of calcifications, masses, fibrils, and line pairs.


RESULTS
Variance analyses of mean scores indicate that, across screen-film combinations, there are no statistically significant decreases in object detection associated with delayed processing. The analyses do indicate, however, a statistically significant difference in scores unrelated to delay, attributable to the screen-film combination used.


CONCLUSIONS
Delayed processing of mammography film does not lead to a decrease in the visibility of phantom test objects, despite large decreases in overall image optical density.
Gerhardt
D A
DA
School of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill 27599-7510.
Pisano
E D
ED
Johnson
C
C
Braeuning
P
P
Dicke
K
K
Washburn
D B
DB
Burns
C
C
Huang
K S
KS
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008952:Mobile Health Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008961:Models, Structural; D015588:Observer Variation; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors; D014963:X-Ray Intensifying Screens / Q000706:statistics & numerical data