In a facility with DBT, what must be done when a new phantom is introduced?

When a new phantom is introduced in a facility utilizing Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), it is essential to validate it through the oversight of a medical physicist. This validation process ensures that the new phantom meets established standards and performs accurately under the specific conditions of the facility's mammography system. Phantoms are used to assess image quality and the efficacy of the imaging system; thus, confirming that the new phantom behaves as expected is crucial to maintaining high-quality breast imaging and patient safety.

By validating the new phantom, the facility can ascertain that the performance parameters—such as contrast resolution and spatial resolution—align with the required standards for DBT. Additionally, it helps to identify any potential issues early on, ensuring consistent and reliable imaging results. This is particularly important as changes in equipment or methods can impact diagnostic accuracy, making the role of the medical physicist vital in the ongoing quality assurance process.