For a meaningful repeat analysis, a minimum volume of how many patients is required?

For a meaningful repeat analysis in mammography, a minimum volume of 250 patients is typically required. This number provides a statistically significant sample size to evaluate the frequency and reasons for repeat imaging. A larger sample helps ensure that the analysis reflects a comprehensive overview of the performance of the mammography service.

Using data from 250 or more patients allows for a robust assessment of variability in repeat rates and identifies trends or issues that may need addressing, whether they relate to image quality, patient positioning, technique, or other factors. This benchmark aids facilities in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and promoting the highest quality of care in breast imaging.

Choosing a smaller sample size, such as 150 or 200 patients, may result in unreliable conclusions due to insufficient data, making it difficult to ascertain whether observed repeat rates are true reflections of practice patterns or simply anomalies. Therefore, the requirement of 250 patients is essential for conducting an effective repeat analysis.