Mammographic Accreditation Phantom

The Mammographic Accreditation Phantom (ACR approved) test a system’s ability to image small structures similar to those found clinically. Objects within the phantom simulate calcifications, fibrous calcifications in ducts, and tumor masses. The phantom is designed to determine if your mammographic system can detect small structures that are important in the early detection of breast cancer. Within the phantom, test objects range in size from those that should be visible on any system to objects that will be difficult to see even on the best mammographic systems.

The 4.4 cm thick mammographic phantom is made up of: a 7 mm wax block insert containing 16 sets of test objects, a 3.4 cm acrylic base, and a 3 mm cover. This approximates a 4.5 cm compressed breast of average glandular/adipose composition.

Included in the wax insert are aluminum oxide (Al2 03) specks to simulate micro-calcifications. Six different size nylon fibers simulate fibrous structures and five different size lens shaped masses simulate tumors.

The phantom includes a 4 mm thick by 1 cm diameter acrylic disc that is used to check the contrast of the system.