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Compliance Guidance

The Mammography Quality Standards Act Final Regulations: Preparing For MQSA Inspections;
Final Guidance for Industry and FDA

PDF
See Related Information




Document issued on November 5, 2001

This document supersedes Preparing for MQSA Inspections issued
on May 5, 1999.

 

CDRH Logo U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Inspection Support Branch
Division of Mammography Quality
and Radiation Programs
Office of Health and Industry Programs

 

 



Preface

Public Comment

Comments and suggestions may be submitted at any time for Agency consideration to Dockets Management Branch, Division of Management Systems and Policy, Office of Human Resources and Management Services, Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, (HFA-305), Rockville, MD, 20852. When submitting comments, please refer to the exact title of this guidance document. Comments may not be acted upon by the Agency until the document is next revised or updated.

For questions regarding the use or interpretation of this guidance contact Charles Gunzburg at (301) 594-3332 or email crg@cdrh.fda.gov.

Additional Copies

Additional copies are available from the Internet at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/pubs/6400.pdf, or CDRH Facts-On-Demand. In order to receive this document via your fax machine, call the CDRH Facts-On-Demand system at 800-899-0381 or 301-827-0111 from a touch-tone telephone. Press 1 to enter the system. At the second voice prompt, press 1 to order a document. Enter the document number 6400 followed by the pound sign (#). Follow the remaining voice prompts to complete your request.


The Mammography Quality Standards Act Final Regulations: Preparing For MQSA Inspections;

This document is intended to provide guidance. It represents the Agency’s current thinking on this topic. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the public. An alternative approach may be used if such approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statute and regulations.




TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background

The Mammography Quality Standards Act was passed on October 27, 1992, to establish national quality standards for mammography. The MQSA required that to provide mammography services legally after October 1, 1994, all facilities, except facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, must be accredited by an approved accreditation body and certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary). The authority to approve accreditation bodies and to certify facilities was delegated by the Secretary to the FDA. On October 28, 1997, the FDA published the MQSA final regulations in the Federal Register. The final regulations, under which mammography facilities are currently regulated, became effective April 28, 1999. The FDA compiled all final guidance referable to MQSA into a computerized searchable Policy Guidance Help System in November 1998. The Policy Guidance Help System is available on the Internet at: www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/guidance-rev.html

Guidance information is periodically updated. Individuals wishing to get automatic notification of such updates may subscribe to our E-mail ListServ by visiting http://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=mammography_cdrh-l&A=1 and following the directions there.


Introduction

This document is intended to provide guidance to mammography facilities and their personnel. It represents the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) current thinking on the final regulations implementing the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) (Pub. L. 102-539). The FDA uses mandatory language, such as shall, must, and require, when referring to statutory or regulatory requirements. The FDA uses non-mandatory language, such as should, may, can, and recommend when referring to guidance. It is the responsibility of the facility to read, understand, and follow the final regulations.

Under its own authority, a State may impose more stringent requirements beyond those specified under MQSA and its implementing regulations. A facility may want to check with the State or local authorities regarding their requirements.


Preparing For MQSA Inspections

This document contains an overview of the annual inspection process and is intended to help facilities prepare for MQSA inspections under the final regulations. It supersedes guidance previously issued on May 5, 1999. This guidance describes facility responsibilities and recommends actions that a facility may take, before an inspection, to minimize both facility disruption and inspection time. In large part the material has been excerpted from the Policy Guidance Help System provided on the Internet site mentioned above which you may consult for more detailed information regarding the regulations.
MQSA requires each facility conducting mammography in the United States (except those of the Department of Veterans Affairs) to:

  • meet quality standards for personnel, equipment, maximum allowable radiation dose, quality assurance, medical audit and outcome analysis, medical recordkeeping and reporting requirements;
  • be accredited by a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved accreditation body (AB) (currently, the American College of Radiology [ACR] and the States of Iowa, California, and Arkansas);
  • be accredited by a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved accreditation body (AB) (currently, the American College of Radiology [ACR] and the States of Arkansas, California, Iowa, and Texas);
  • be certified to perform mammography by the FDA, or an FDA approved State certification body (each certified facility must prominently display its certificate where it can be viewed by mammography patients); and
  • maintain its certified status by:
    • - maintaining its accreditation,
      - having an annual survey performed by a qualified medical physicist,
      - undergoing an annual inspection conducted by an MQSA inspector ,
      - paying an inspection fee (and, where applicable, re-inspection fees), and
      - correcting any deficiencies found during these processes.

NOTE: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services accepts MQSA certification as evidence of compliance with mammography quality standards. Only facilities with a current MQSA certificate will be eligible to receive Medicare/Medicaid payment for screening and diagnostic mammography.

SCOPE OF THE MQSA FACILITY INSPECTION

During each inspection, MQSA inspectors assess a facility's compliance with MQSA quality standards. Facilities must correct all deficiencies found. Inspections will not cover any new regulation before its effective date. To reduce the inspection time, the scope of the standard inspection questions has been limited to items that FDA believes have the most direct bearing on facility performance and mammographic quality. However, the facility remains responsible for meeting all requirements of the regulations, not only those specifically listed in the inspection procedures. Concurrent with the MQSA inspection, States may inspect for some items that are required by their laws and regulations. However, these items will not affect the facility's compliance with MQSA or the associated MQSA inspection fee. Under MQSA, each facility location will be inspected at least annually for the following:

  • Equipment performance
  • Quality Assurance (QA) records
  • Quality Control (QC) records and tests
    • - Technologist tests
      - Medical physicist's annual survey report
      - undergoing an annual inspection conducted by an MQSA inspector ,
      - Mammography equipment evaluations, if any
  • Personnel qualification records
  • Medical records (mammography reports and films) and lay summaries
  • Medical audit and outcome analysis records

Mobile mammography facilities may provide services at multiple locations under the same certificate. Each location is recognized by FDA as a part of that facility. Each such site may be inspected. The scope of inspections at sites where mobile mammography activities are conducted will vary depending on the type of mammography services provided at each location, with or without the mobile x-ray system being at that location. The facility representative may request details regarding tests and record requirements for scheduled inspections of such sites from the inspector during the prior notification and scheduling process discussed below.

PRIOR NOTIFICATION

Normally, the inspector will provide the facility with an advance notice of at least five business days, before an inspection. The inspector will work with the facility in scheduling the inspection to minimize any inconvenience to the facility.

INSPECTION DURATION

Based on our experience, the average on-site inspection of a facility with a single x-ray unit/film processor combination takes between five and six hours. Approximately one hour will be required to evaluate the equipment with the remainder being spent reviewing facility procedures and records. To minimize any interference with patient care, FDA suggests that the facility schedule a block of time for the testing of each x-ray unit and film processor combination. To help minimize disruption to the facility's activities, as well as to reduce the inspection time, FDA recommends that the facility organize and consolidate all records the inspector will need and have them readily available on the day of the inspection (such records are described more fully below). Facility personnel may conduct their usual duties during the inspection, but should be available if the inspector has questions or needs assistance.

INSPECTION PROCESS

The inspector will first meet with facility-designated representatives to verify preliminary facility information and to briefly outline the proposed inspection agenda. At this time, the facility staff should request any special sequencing of the testing and records reviews so that the facility's normal schedule is interrupted as little as possible. A standard annual inspection will include the tests and records review outlined below. After inspection, the inspector will again meet with facility representatives for an exit interview.

SPECIFIC INSPECTION ITEMS

The equipment and QA/QC requirements listed in items 2 and 4 below relate to screen-film mammography systems. Systems using other mammographic imaging modalities are required to follow a quality assurance program essentially the same as that recommended by the equipment manufacturer. During the inspection, the inspector will verify that this requirement is met.

    1.Certificate Display

     Since October 1, 1994, no facility may legally perform mammography services unless it has a valid certificate issued under the MQSA regulations. Additionally, as described above, each such facility must prominently display that certificate in the facility. If a facility operates multiple locations under one certificate number, it may make copies of the original certificate or obtain additional originals from the certification authority for display at each location.

    2.Equipment Tests

     FDA will inspect each x-ray system used by the facility for regulated mammography activities. This inspection includes equipment being leased by, loaned to, or evaluated for purchase, as well as equipment owned by the facility. For several of these tests, the inspector will use the facility's film and cassettes to ensure the applicability of the results to the facility. The inspector will also require assistance from facility personnel in setting up technique factors normally used by the facility for an average breast examination and operating the equipment, as well as any other preparatory work needed for each of the following elements:

     
    1. Determination that the equipment has been designed specifically for mammography. The x-ray unit satisfies this requirement as long as it meets all of the applicable MQSA requirements and is designated by the manufacturer and accepted by the FDA as appropriate for mammography. Equipment designed specifically for mammography, because of its unique characteristics, may also be useful for non-mammography procedures and such use is permitted.
    2. Determination that the system contains image receptors, moving grids, and compression paddles for both 18 x 24 cm and 24 x 30 cm image receptors.
    3. Confirmation that the x-ray system has a functioning post-exposure display of the actual x-ray focal spot and the target material used during each exposure. The display must be clear, legible, and visible to the operator at the unit or the operator control location. The actual mechanism can be achieved in any manner that provides the required information in an unambiguous fashion.
    4. Collimation assessment.
    5. Exposure reproducibility.
    6. Beam quality or half-value layer (HVL) measurement.
    7. Dose calculation for a cranio-caudal view of a standard breast.
    8. Processor evaluation. The regulations require that the facility set up and maintain the processor according to the specifications of the film manufacturer. Conformance with this requirement will be evaluated using the FDA's "Sensitometric Technique for Evaluation of Processing" (STEP) test to assess the processor performance.
    9. Darkroom fog.
    10. Phantom image quality evaluation.

     

    NOTE: To meet item b, the facility must have at least one of each of the listed items for each mammography x-ray unit in the facility. There is no requirement that image receptor sizes other than the 18 X 24 and 24 X 30 be available for each unit in the facility. However, if a facility uses additional (not required by the regulations) image receptor sizes, the facility must have at least one moving grid and compression paddle for each such additional size. It is not necessary to have these items for each x-ray unit.

    3.Records Inspection

     

    Facilities should maintain specific records regarding each regulated mammography system. These records cover:

     
    • X-ray unit accreditation status
    • Mammography equipment evaluation for new/repaired equipment
    • Annual physics survey reports (both the most recent and the previous one)
    • Evidence of post-move performance testing for mobile units
    • QC test records
    • Evidence of any corrective actions taken and subsequent verification testing

     

    The facility should have documentation showing that each x-ray unit has been accredited by the accreditation body. For a new unit, the facility must show that it has passed a mammography equipment evaluation prior to use on patients and that the application for accreditation of the unit has been submitted. For very new units (within five working days of installation), simply having the mammography equipment evaluation (see discussion below) and demonstrating that the application for accreditation is under preparation will be adequate to establish compliance.

     

    There are three cases where a unit in use may not need to be accredited:

    1. The unit is a "loaner," while repairs to the facility's unit are taking place, or awaiting delivery of a replacement unit (limited to 30 days without extenuating documentation from the service or dealer organization showing reasons for delay in replacement or repair);
    2. The unit is installed in the facility for evaluation before purchasing (limited to 90 days maximum without accreditation); and
    3. The unit is an experimental one, installed and used under an FDA investigative device exemption or other FDA-authorized research protocol.

      Note: Under both a) and b) above, the unit still must have passed a mammography equipment evaluation before use on patients. The above time frames and allowances are permitted under MQSA. Under State or local regulations and accreditation body policies, all such use may require registration or accreditation. Be sure to verify the requirements with these sources.

    4.Quality Assurance and Quality Control Programs

     

    The QA program includes the designation of appropriate, qualified personnel to implement and oversee the QA process. These personnel must include a lead interpreting physician, medical physicist, and quality control technologist. The inspector will check to establish that qualified personnel have been designated for each of these duties and that the facility has established a QA program, as required by the regulations, to "ensure the safety, reliability, clarity, and accuracy of the mammography services provided at the facility." Evaluation of the QA program includes the review of QA procedures and records for all of the requirements outlined in 21 CFR 900.12(d) and (e). Facilities are required to retain the written QC records for each test specified by the regulations until the next annual MQSA inspection has established that the facility is in compliance with the QA requirements, or until the test has been performed two additional times at the required frequency, whichever is longer. The time periods for retaining sensitometric film strips and other films produced during the tests vary and are described below under the individual tests. Although these records must be maintained and be available for review, not all records will always be evaluated during each inspection. However, the inspector will always seek the QA/QC information listed below:

     
    • Daily Processor Quality Control
      • - Including actual sensitometric film strips for the previous 30 days of mammographic film processing and charting of the strips for the period specified above
    • Weekly Phantom Images
      • - Including phantom images for the previous 90 days, and records covering the remainder of the retention period specified above
    • Quarterly Analysis of Fixer Retention in Film
    • Quarterly Repeat Analysis
      • - Conducted quarterly, regardless of the number of films obtained in the quarter, and should include all repeated and rejected clinical films obtained in the quarter. Large volume facilities may limit the analysis to those films collected after a minimum of 250 patient examinations.
    • Semiannual Darkroom Fog
      • - QC records and test strips must be retained for the period specified above
    • Semiannual Screen-Film Contact
      • - QC records and images from screen-film contact for the retention period specified above
    • Semiannual Compression
    • Personnel responsibilities and procedures for QA/QC testing. Records must be kept indefinitely.
    • Other QA-related written policies, procedures, and records required by the regulations such as those relating to infection control, breast implants, and consumer complaints. Records must be kept indefinitely.
    • Mammographic technique charts, and information pertinent to optimizing mammographic quality should also be available for inspection. Records should be kept indefinitely.

    In general, the facility's QC records should show that all MQSA required tests were:

    • conducted at the frequencies specified in the regulations (as a minimum), and
    • followed by timely and effective corrective actions that were shown to be necessary (documentation of any corrective action is required).

    Note regarding the Interpretation of Test Frequencies: In the past, some facilities have interpreted the words "weekly," "quarterly," and "semi-annually" in ways different from that intended by FDA. Since October 1, 1999, FDA has interpreted the regulatory requirements for test frequencies as follows:

    • Weekly Phantom Image Test: Must be performed each week in which mammograms are performed. However, the test need not be performed on the same day each week.
    • Quarterly Tests: Must be performed 4 times a year or at a minimum once in each 3 month period in which mammograms are performed. The 4 months that are chosen must be spaced 3 months apart (such as February, May, August, and November.) However, for any of the 4 selected months, each test may be performed on any day (not necessarily the same day) in the month.
    • Semi-annual Tests: Must be performed 2 times a year or at a minimum once in each 6 month period in which mammograms are performed. The 2 months that are chosen must be spaced 6 months apart (such as January and July). However, for any of the 2 selected months, each test may be performed on any day (not necessarily the same day) in the month.

    For listing of the required QC test items, required frequencies, and examples of acceptable documentation, see Attachments 2 and 3. The items appearing in Attachment 2 must be performed more frequently than the annual tests in Attachment 3 and will normally fall under the responsibility of the quality control technologist. The annual tests and their regulatory requirements are summarized in Attachment 3. Although the annual tests may be conducted more frequently than annually, they must be conducted by a MQSA-qualified medical physicist (or someone in training under his or her direct supervision) when performed as part of the annual survey or a mammography equipment evaluation. The results of the annual tests and any recommendations for corrective actions must be stated in the medical physicist's survey report.

    5.Medical Physicist's Survey Report

     

    Each facility must undergo "at least once each year" a survey performed by a medical physicist. For various reasons it is often impractical for these annual surveys to be conducted exactly on the anniversary of the previous survey, therefore FDA will accept a range of 10 to 14 months since the previous survey as being adequate to satisfy the "at least once each year" requirement stated in the regulations. The facility must have available for the inspector the two most recent annual physicist survey reports. The reports must document the physicist's tests, the results, the evaluation of the technologist's QC testing, and include recommendations for any corrective actions resulting from the tests or review. The facility should also have evidence of its actions concerning each recommendation.

    6.Mammography Equipment Evaluation

     

    When a new or an existing mammography facility obtains new mammographic equipment or processors, it must pass a mammography equipment evaluation conducted by a qualified medical physicist before such equipment is placed into service. In this context, "new" means new to the facility and may be previously used equipment. In addition, a medical physicist must perform a mammography equipment evaluation whenever such equipment is disassembled and then reassembled, either at the same or a new location, or whenever a major component is changed or repaired. The inspector will verify that appropriate records are available to document compliance with this requirement.

    The medical physicist must provide the facility with sufficient documentation to clarify the testing performed and the results of the testing. All problems must be corrected, and the corrections documented, before the new or changed equipment is put into clinical service.

    7.Personnel Qualifications

     

    The facility is required to maintain records documenting initial and continuing qualifications of all personnel who have performed or are performing the duties of interpreting physician, radiological technologist, or medical physicist, and all employees assigned to quality assurance tasks for the facility. Facilities are to ensure that new mammography personnel meet all applicable requirements prior to allowing them to provide mammography services. This requirement covers records for individuals who provide or have provided temporary and/or contract services for the facility, including personnel who may provide services offsite. Once an employee leaves, the facility is not expected to continue tracking their status. If personnel leave, the facility is expected to maintain their records until the next annual MQSA inspection has been completed and FDA has determined that the facility complies with all MQSA personnel requirements.

    Facilities should be aware that their State(s) might have more stringent recordkeeping requirements. Check with your State(s) before making any final decisions regarding the disposition of any records.

    The required personnel information is listed below and must be available for the inspector's review during the inspection.


    Interpreting Physicians

    Interpreting physicians initially qualifying on or after the April 28, 1999 effective date of the final regulations, must meet all of the following requirements. Physicians who qualified under FDA's interim regulations (prior to April 28,1999) are considered to have met the initial requirements listed in items 2 through 4 below. They may continue to interpret mammograms if they continue to meet the licensure requirement in item 1, the new modality training requirement for item 5 (if applicable), and the continuing experience and continuing education requirements for items 6 and 7.


    REPEAT FINDINGS

    If a facility inspection finds "repeat" problems (deficiencies of the same type, either recurring or never corrected, found during the previous inspection), the post-inspection report provided to the facility will identify which findings have been repeated. Depending on their seriousness, these repeat deficiencies could result in the requirement of a written response from the facility, a follow-up inspection, and/or sanctions against the facility.

    MOBILE MAMMOGRAPHY

    The QC for x-ray units used for mobile mammographic purposes must meet all of the requirements applicable to stationary mammography x-ray units plus the additional requirement of post-move, pre-clinical use performance testing. This additional test is to ensure the satisfactory performance of the unit after each move and before patients are imaged. The following are examples of acceptable tests:

 
  • A phantom image can be taken in the AEC mode (or the mode used clinically) after the move but prior to patient examination. This image is then either processed and evaluated at the mobile unit site (if possible), or processed off-site and evaluated to verify performance prior to examining patients. A passing score for this phantom image verifies that the unit is performing adequately after moving and before patient examination.
  • Another example is to (1) for a given kVp, record the mAs resulting from a phantom exposure (in the AEC mode under typical clinical conditions or the mode used clinically); (2) compare that mAs to a standard mAs value previously established as ensuring output consistency; and (3) if the two readings are within +/- 10%, proceed with clinical examinations; otherwise take corrective actions to bring the two values within this limit before proceeding with clinical examinations. A crucial follow-up to this test by the facility is to process (using a processor in control) and score the phantom image taken in step (1) at the earliest time available and before batch processing any of the clinical images. If this phantom fails because of any processing problems, the problems should be corrected prior to processing any of the clinical images. If the phantom image fails due to a non-processor problem, the mobile facility should still process all the films. Each clinical exam should be evaluated individually to determine whether any of the patients have to be recalled to have their images repeated. The entire imaging chain must be checked and adjusted or repaired prior to further clinical use.
  • If the facility takes a phantom image as part of its post-move/pre-examination testing, it must document the phantom image score. The facility must keep the written records of post-move/pre-examination tests for the last 12 months or since the last inspection, whichever is longer, and the phantom images for the last 30 days.
  • Other tests designed by qualified personnel (the medical physicist should be consulted) could be acceptable but may have to be evaluated by the inspector on a case-by-case basis. If a facility has any questions regarding the acceptability of such alternative measures, they should obtain a ruling from FDA on the alternative before relying on such testing.

    EXIT INTERVIEW

    During the exit interview with facility personnel, the inspector will review the results of the inspection and either leave a summary of findings or mail this summary to the facility within two weeks.

    If major deficiencies are found, the facility will receive a letter, addressed to the facility's "Responsible Person", concerning these issues. The facility's "Responsible Person" is a person the facility has identified as having the authority to make vital operational and financial decisions concerning corrective actions that are required to bring the facility into compliance. All deficiencies should be corrected as soon as possible. Depending on the level of the severity of the problems, specific regulatory mandated time frames will be included in the letter. The facility is required [21 CFR 900.12(e)(8)(ii)(A)] to correct problems found with the following areas of the QC program "before any further examinations are performed or any films are processed using the component of the mammography system that failed the test...."

 
  • Daily QC tests - 900.12(e)(1),
    • - base plus fog
      - mid-density
      - density difference

  • Weekly QC tests - 900.12(e)(2)
    • - phantom image quality

  • Semiannual QC tests - 900.12(e)(4)
    • - Darkroom fog - 900.12(e)(4)(i)
      - Screen-film contact - 900.12 (e)(4)(ii)
      - Compression device performance - 900.12 (e)(4)(iii)

  • Annual QC tests - 900.12(e)(5)
      - Dose - 900.12(e)(5)(vi)

  • Other modalities - 900.12(e)(6)
  • Mobile units - 900.12(e)(7)

    For violations related to the quality control (QC) tests described in paragraph 900.12(e)(8)(ii)(B), the facility must complete repairs within 30 days of discovering the problem. Facilities continuing to operate under deficient conditions could be subject to sanctions. Such sanctions could include a directed plan of correction, civil money penalties, or certificate suspension or revocation. Certain findings could also require a follow-up inspection to verify correction.

    FOR MORE INFORMATION

    FDA maintains an MQSA Internet site at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography. The site contains many useful items, including current information about the mammography program. If you have questions on how to prepare for inspections, call FDA's Facility Hotline at (800) 838-7715, or FAX your request to (410) 290-6351.



Attachment 1

ATTESTATION FORM

Regarding Requirements of the Mammography Quality Standards Act

Attestation must include as much of the following information as possible:

Name of the institution/facility where the applicable training or mammography reading/interpreting, or other activity, took place; name of the course(s) or training (where applicable); the attendance, reading/interpreting, or other activity dates; and the supervising/responsible person (where applicable) for the institution/facility.

Please provide these details in the space below. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

I ________________________ attest that, to the best of my knowledge and my belief, the following information provided in this declaration is true and correct. I understand that FDA may request additional information to substantiate the statements made in this declaration:

___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

I understand that knowingly providing false information in a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States could result in criminal liability, punishable by up to $10,000 fine and imprisonment of up to five years, or civil liability under the MQSA, or both.


__________________________________________________________________________
Attestor's Signature and Title

_____________________
Date signed

Facility Name and Address (if applicable) (including zip code):

___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

Facility ID Number (if applicable) (from the Facility's MQSA certificate)

Attachment 2

Test & Frequency

Requirements for Acceptable Operation

Guidance for Acceptable Documentation Retention*

Timing of Required Corrective Action **

Processor QC- Daily Established operating level for B+F, + up to 0.03 OD. QC records for the last 12 months or since the last inspection, whichever is longer.

QC test films for the last 30 days.

Before any further clinical films are processed.
" Established operating level for MD, ± 0.15 OD.

"

"

" Established operating level for DD, ± 0.15 OD.

"

"

Phantom QC- Weekly Established operating level for OD at center of image 1.2 ± 0.20, but the minimum OD must be 1.2 at any time. QC records for the last 12 months or since the last inspection, whichever is longer.

Phantom images for the last 90 days.

Before any further examinations are performed using the x-ray machine.
" Established operating level for contrast, ± 0.05 OD

"

"

" Minimum score of 4 fibers, 3 speck groups, 3 masses.

"

"

Fixer retention in film-Quarterly < 5 micrograms per square cm of residual fixer. QC Records since the last inspection or for the past three tests, whichever is longer. Within 30 days of the date of the test.
Repeat Analysis-Quarterly Operating level for repeat or reject rate is < 2% change (up or down) from previous rate.

"

"

Darkroom Fog-Semi-annually OD 0.05. QC Records since last inspection or for the past three tests, whichever is longer. Fog QC films from the previous three tests. Before any further clinical films are processed.
Screen-Film Contact-Semi-annually All mammography cassettes used must be tested with a 40-mesh copper screen. QC records since last inspection or for the past three tests, whichever is longer. S-F contact QC films from the previous three tests. Before any further examinations are performed using the cassettes.
Compression Device Semi-annually Compression force 111 newtons (25 pounds).
Effective 10/28/2002, initial power drive maximum compression force between 111 and 200 newtons
(25 and 45 pounds).
QC records since last inspection or for the past three tests, whichever is longer. Before examinations are performed using the compression device.

* Guidance regarding the length of time for which the facility is required to keep QC records was given earlier under 900.12(d)(2).
** Refer to 900.12(e)(8)(ii)(A) or (B) as applicable.


Attachment 3

Annual Quality Control Tests

Test

Scope

Regulatory Action Levels

Timing of required corrective action*

AEC Performance Capability All x-ray units.
Thickness tracking (2-6 cm, appropriate kVp’s).
kVp Tracking (clinic. range).
OD exceeds the mean by more than ± 0.30 (over 2-6 cm thickness range) [± 0.15 after 10/28/2002]. Phantom image OD at center < 1.20. Within 30 days after test failure.
kVp Accuracy & Reproducibility All x-ray units. kVp accuracy outside ± 5% of indicated /selected kVp. Reproducibility COV > 0.02.

"

Focal spot/System Resolution All x-ray units, all clinically used target materials and focal spots
1) Spot size measurement until 10/28/02 @ the most used SID
2) Resolution measurement
Same as 1) but if mag mode is used, then test at SID w/mag value closest to 1.5 obtainable (used clinically or not) & for all clinically used mag screen-film combinations
See focal spot table in the regs.
11 cycles/mm with bars perpendicular to anode-cathode axis.
13 cycles/mm with bars parallel to anode-cathode axis.

"

HVL All x-ray units.
All clinically used target/filter combinations.
See HVL table in regulations.

"

Air Kerma & AEC Reproducibility All x-ray units. Reproducibility COV for each exceeds 0.05.

"

Dose All x-ray units.
All targets/filter combos used for the Standard Breast.
Exceeds 3.0 mGy (0.3 rad) per exposure (for the Standard Breast). Before any further examinations are performed.
Phantom Image** All x-ray units. < 4 fibers, 3 speck groups, 3 masses. "
X-ray field/light field
X-ray field/IR
Compression device/IR
All x-ray units. All combinations of collimators, image receptor sizes, targets & focal spots clinically used in full field imaging of the breast. X-ray/light field: > 2% SID
X-ray field/IR: Outside IR: > 2% SID (all sides.) Inside IR: less than full coverage at cw.
Comp. device/IR: Outside IR:>1%SID Inside IR: Paddle visible on image

Within 30 days of the date of discovery.

Screen Speed Uniformity All cassettes - sub-grouping allowed. O.D. variation exceeds 0.30 from highest to lowest.

"

System Artifacts All x-ray units and processors, all cassette sizes, all clinically used focal spots & target/filter combinations. Determined by physicist.

"

Radiation Output All x-ray units. Output < 4.5 mGy/sec (513 mR/sec), and < (7 & 800) after 10/28/2002.

"

Decompression All x-ray units (if auto decompression is provided). Failure of override mechanism, manual release, or status indicator. "
Any applicable annual new modality tests All x-ray units. Depends on test. Before clinical use.

* Refer to 900.12(e)(8)(ii)(A) or (B) as applicable.
** This is the same as the weekly phantom image test but it must also be performed annually by the medical physicist.


Attachment 4

Acceptable Documents for Interpreting Physicians

Requirement Obtained Prior to 10/1/94 Obtained 10/1/94-4/28/99 Obtained after 4/28/99
State License 1. State license/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. Pocket card/copy of license

1. State license/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. Pocket card/copy of license

1. State license/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. Pocket card/copy of license

Board Certification
(ABR, AOBR, or RCPSC)
1. Original/copy of certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Confirming letter from ACR

4. Listing in ABMS directory

1. Original/copy of certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Confirming letter from ACR

4. Listing in ABMS directory

1. Original/copy of certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Confirming letter from ACR

4. Listing in ABMS directory

Formal Training
(2 months-interim regs)
(3 months-final regs)
1. Letters or other documents from US or Canadian residency programs

2. Documentation of formal mammography training courses

3. Category I CME certificates

1. Letters or other documents from US or Canadian residency programs

2. Documentation of formal mammography training courses

3. Category I CME certificates

1. Letters or other documents from US or Canadian residency programs

2. Documentation of formal mammography training courses

3. Category I CME certificates

Initial Medical Education
(40 hours-interim regs)
(60 hours/15 in last 3 years-final regs)
1. Attestation

2. Letter from residency program

3. CME certificates

4. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

1. Letter from residency program

2. CME certificates

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

1. Letter from residency program

2. CME certificates

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training (Category I)

Initial Experience (240)
(any 6 month period-interim regs)
(last 6 month vs 6 month in last 2 years of residency-final regs)
1. Attestation

2. Letter or other document from residency or training program or mammography facility

1. Letter or other document from residency or training program or mammography facility - done under direct supervision 1. Letter or other document from residency or training program or mammography facility - done under direct supervision
Initial Mammographic Modality Specific Training-8 hours-final regs 1. Attestation for training or experience with investigational units

2. Mammography Modality Specific CME certificates (Category I or II)

3. CME certificates (Category I or II) plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

4. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

5. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

6.Letter from facility where experience was obtained documenting experience in the new mammographic modality

1. Attestation for experience with investigational units

2. Mammography Modality Specific CME certificates (Category I or II)

3. CME certificates (Category I or II) plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

4. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

5. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

6. Letter from facility where experience was obtained documenting experience in the new mammographic modality

1. Mammography Modality Specific CME certificates (Category I or II)

2. CME certificates (Category I or II) plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Continuing Experience (960/24 months) N/A 1. Letter, table, facility logs or other documentation from residency or training program or mammography facility 1. Letter, table, facility logs or other documentation from residency or training program or mammography facility
Continuing Education (15 CME/36 months-interim regs) (15 Category I CME/36 months-final regs) N/A 1. CME certificates (Category I or II)

2. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

3. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ training courses

1. CME certificates (Category I)

2. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

Continuing Mammographic Modality Specific Education-final regs N/A 1. Mammography Modality Specific CME certificates (Category I or II)

2. CME certificates (Category I or II) plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. Mammography Modality Specific CME certificates (Category I)

2. CME certificates (Category I) plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

Requalification-Experience-done under direct supervision N/A 1. Letter, table, facility logs or other documentation from residency or training program or mammography facility 1. Letter, table, facility logs or other documentation from residency or training program or mammography facility
Requalification- Education N/A 1. CME certificates (Category I or II)

2. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations

1. CME certificates (Category I)

2. Confirming letters from CME granting organizations


Attachment 5

Acceptable Documents for Radiologic Technologists

Requirement Obtained Prior to 10/1/94 Obtained 10/1/94-4/28/99 Obtained after 4/28/99
State Licensure 1. State license/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. Pocket card/copy of license

1. State license/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. Pocket card/copy of license

1. State license/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. Pocket card/copy of license

Board Certification
(ARRT or ARCRT)
1. Original/copy of current certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Pocket card/copy of certificate

1. Original/copy of current certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Pocket card/copy of certificate

1. Original/copy of current certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Pocket card/copy of certificate

Initial Training
(~40 hours-interim regs)
(40 hours-25 supervised exams-final regs)
1. Attestation

2. Letter or other document from training program

3. CEU certificates

4. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

5. ARRT(M) Mammography certificate

6. California Mammography certificate

7. Arizona Mammography certificate

8. Nevada Mammography certificate

1. Letter or other document from training program

2. CEU certificates

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

4. Approved RT training courses

5. ARRT(M) Mammography certificate

6. California Mammography certificate

7. Arizona Mammography certificate

8. Nevada Mammography certificate

1. Letter or other document from training program

2. CEU certificates

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

Initial Mammography Modality Specific training-8 hours-final regs 1. Attestation for training or experience with investigational units

2. Mammography Modality Specific CEU certificates

3. CEU certificates plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

4. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

5. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

6.Letter from facility where experience was obtained documenting experience in the new mammographic modality

1. Attestation for experience with investigational units

2. Mammography Modality Specific CEU certificates

3. CEU certificates plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

4. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

5. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

6. Letter from facility where experience was obtained documenting experience in the new mammographic modality

1. Mammography Modality Specific CEU certificates

2. CEU certificates plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Continuing Experience
(200/24 months-final regs)
N/A N/A 1. Letter, table, facility logs or other documentation from training program or mammography facility
Continuing Education
(15 CME/36 months)
N/A 1. CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

3. Formal training courses

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

3. Formal training courses

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Continuing Mammographic Modality Specific Education-final regs N/A 1. Mammography Modality Specific CEU certificates

2. CEU certificates (plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. Mammography Modality Specific CEU certificates

2. CEU certificates (plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Requalification-Experience-final regs-done under direct supervision N/A N/A 1. Letter, table, facility logs or other documentation from training program or mammography facility (done under direct supervision)
Requalification- Education N/A 1. CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CEU granting organizations

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses


Attachment 6

Acceptable Documents for Medical Physicists

Requirement Obtained Prior to 10/1/94 Obtained 10/1/94-4/28/99 Obtained after 4/28/99
State Licensure or Approval 1. State license or approval/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. FDA Approval Letter

1. State license or approval/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. FDA Approval Letter

1. State license or approval/copy with expiration date

2. Confirming letter from State licensing board

3. FDA Approval Letter

Board Certification
(ABR or ABMP)
1. Original/copy of certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Pocket card/copy of certificate

4. Confirming letter from ACR

5. FDA Approval Letter

1. Original/copy of certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Pocket card/copy of certificate

4. Confirming letter from ACR

5. FDA Approval Letter

1. Original/copy of certificate

2. Confirming letter from certifying board

3. Pocket card/copy of certificate

4. Confirming letter from ACR

5. FDA Approval Letter

Degree in a physical science-final regs
(Master’s pathway)
(Bachelor’s pathway)
1. Original/copy of diploma

2. Confirming letter from college or university

3. FDA Approval Letter

1. Original/copy of diploma

2. Confirming letter from college or university

3. FDA Approval Letter

1. Original/copy of diploma

2. Confirming letter from college or university

3. FDA Approval Letter

Initial physics education-final regs
(20 semester hours-Master)
(10 semester hours-Bachelor)
1. College or university transcripts

2. Confirming letter from college or university

3. Master or Bachelor degree specifically in physics

4. FDA Approval Letter

1. College or university transcripts

2. Confirming letter from college or university

3. Master or Bachelor degree specifically in physics

4. FDA Approval Letter

1. College or university transcripts

2. Confirming letter from college or university

3. Master or Bachelor degree specifically in physics

4. FDA Approval Letter

Survey Training-final regs
(20 contact hours-Master)
(40 contact hours-Bachelor)
1. Attestation

2. Letter or other document from training program

3. CME/CEU certificates

4. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

5. Training gained performing surveys

6. FDA Approval Letter

1. Letter or other document from training program

2. CME/CEU certificates

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

4. Training gained performing surveys

5. FDA Approval Letter

1. Letter or other document from training program

2. CME/CEU certificates

3. Letter or other document confirming in-house or formal training

4. Training gained performing surveys

5. FDA Approval Letter

Initial Experience-final regs
(1 facility-10 units-Master)
(1 facility-20 units-Bachelor)
1. Attestation

2. Copy or coversheet of survey

3. Letter from facility or listing from company providing the physics survey services documenting performance of survey done

4. FDA Approval Letter

1. Copy or coversheet of survey

2. Letter from facility or listing from company providing the physics survey services documenting performance of survey done

3. FDA Approval Letter

1. Copy or coversheet of survey done under direct supervision

2. Letter from facility or listing from company providing the physics survey services documenting performance of survey done under direct supervision

3. FDA Approval Letter

Initial Mammography Modality Specific training-8 hours-final regs 1. Attestation for training or experience with investigational units

2. Mammography Modality Specific CME/CEU certificates

3. CME/CEU certificates plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

4. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

5. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

6.Letter from facility where experience was obtained documenting experience in the new mammographic modality

1. Attestation for experience with investigational units

2. Mammography Modality Specific CME/CEU certificates

3. CME/CEU certificates plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

4. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

5. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

6. Letter from facility where experience was obtained documenting experience in the new mammographic modality

1. Mammography Modality Specific CME/CEU certificates

2. CME/CEU certificates plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Continuing Experience (2 facilities-6 units/24 months-final regs) N/A N/A 1. Copy or coversheet of survey

2. Letter from facility or listing from company providing the physics survey services documenting performance of survey done

Continuing Education (15 CME/36 months) N/A 1. CME/CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

3. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. CME/CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

3. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Continuing Mammographic Modality Specific Education-final regs N/A 1. Mammography Modality Specific CME/CEU certificates

2. CME/CEU certificates (plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. Mammography Modality Specific CME/CEU certificates

2. CME/CEU certificates (plus agenda, course outline or syllabus

3. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

4. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

Requalification-Experience-final regs-done under direct supervision N/A N/A 1. Copy or coversheet of survey done under direct supervision

2. Letter from facility or listing from company providing the physics survey services documenting performance of survey done under direct supervision

Requalification- Education N/A 1. CME/CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

3. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

1. CME/CEU certificates

2. Confirming letters from CME/CEU granting organizations

3. Letters, certificates or other documents from manufacturers’ or other formal training courses

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