What tool is commonly used to evaluate for artifacts in mammography?

A phantom is a tool designed specifically to evaluate mammography systems and assess image quality. It typically consists of materials that simulate human breast tissue and includes various structures to replicate the typical characteristics of breast anatomy. During quality control processes, the phantom allows technologists and radiologists to identify potential artifacts, which are unwanted features in an image that can obscure the visualization of breast tissue or lesions, leading to misinterpretation.

By utilizing a phantom, facilities can routinely check for issues such as scattered radiation, detector sensitivity, and overall image uniformity. This consistent evaluation is critical in ensuring that the mammography equipment is functioning optimally and producing high-quality images for accurate diagnoses.

While detectors, calibration units, and reference images all play roles in mammography, they do not serve the specific purpose of artifact evaluation in the same direct manner as a phantom. Detectors are focused on capturing the image, calibration units are used to ensure equipment settings are appropriate, and reference images serve as standards for comparison but do not directly assist in the identification of artifacts. Therefore, using a phantom is essential for maintaining the integrity of mammography imaging.