Clinical image evaluation.

The radiologist interpreting mammograms is responsible for an ongoing evaluation of the quality of the initial images produced by the facility. The Mammography Quality Standards act requires an external review of clinical images at least every 3 years from each facility accredited. Clinical image evaluation includes an assessment of position and compression, labeling, image quality, and artifacts. For each of these assessment categories, specific criteria have been identified for distinguishing properly performed from deficient clinical images.