About this Program

This webinar will cover the history of mammography and outline why we have MQSA, who developed the standards, who checks to be sure we follow those standards, and when the checks are done. Attendees will learn the 8 image attributes reviewed by the mammography accreditation bodies and see examples of optimum vs. inadequate in all eight categories.  We will discuss the essentials of proper positioning for the CC and MLO view for any level mammographer. We will explain how the EQUIP program was designed to help mammography facilities be successful daily and establish proper communication between staff members. This webinar will incorporate high-quality images vs. poor-quality images throughout to ensure the attendees walk away with the knowledge of how to see mistakes made within their positioning workflow and know the steps to take to improve it. At the conclusion of this webinar, attendees will be filled with tips and tricks to concourse mammography positioning and obtain passable ACR images.   

Topics Covered: 

  • Overview of mammography history: why, who, and when
  • Overview of the mammography accreditation process: 8 image attributes
  • Reminder of the strengths and weaknesses between CC and MLO
  • Most effective order for CC view; tips and tricks for how to improve image quality
  • Most effective order for MLO view; tips and tricks for how to improve image quality
  • High-quality vs. low-quality image examples throughout the presentation 

How it Works:

  • The On Demand CE activity that you purchased will be located in your “My Account” section once you log into the MTMI Website.
  • You have three attempts to pass each quiz.
  • You must earn a score of 75% or higher.
  • Credit is recorded the day you submit and pass the quiz and is determined using Central time.
  • You have 30 days to complete and pass the quiz.
  • Once passed, access your MTMI “My Account” to print your “Certificate of Completion.”
  • At the conclusion of this on-demand video, an evaluation form will be emailed to you.
  • This video expires 1 year after purchase date.

Educational Objectives

By the end of this on-demand, participants will be able to:  

  • Understand the mammography accreditation eight image attributes
  • Positioning, Compression, Exposure, Contrast, Noise, Sharpness, Artifacts, Exam ID
  • Identify properly positioned CC and MLO views using accreditation criteria
  • Identify images with poor compression and understand the importance of taut compression
  • Identify images that are over or under-exposed and how to prevent them
  • Explain why high contrast is so important in mammography and ways to prevent a loss of contrast
  • Identify images with noise and understand how why it happens
  • Identify where to look for sharpness on an images and understand what causes un-sharpness
  • Identify images with artifacts and how to prevent artifacts from happening i.e., skin folds and air gap
  • Understand the criteria for image labeling
  • Understand standard limitations of CC and MLO views and how both views work together to provide the radiologist with a full view of the breast
  • Understand the optimal order and technique for properly positioning the CC view
  • Understand the optimal order and technique for properly positioning the MLO view
  • Understand the strengths and weaknesses of both views 

Program Faculty

Meet your presenter(s)

Miranda Melton

Miranda Melton

RT(R)(M)

Miranda became registered with the ARRT as a Radiologic Technologist in 1998 and specialized in Mammography in 1999. She spent the first 8 years working her way up from staff technologist to lead technologist before accepting a Clinic Manager Role with Diagnostic Imaging Centers, P.A. in Lee’s Summit, Missouri in 2006. After 10 years in that role, Miranda took a leap of faith in 2017 and began working as an Independent Mammography Positioning Specialist and Educator. Most of her time was spent teaching for Medical Technology Management Institute (MTMI) on the Initial Mammography Training team as well as traveling the US to provide hands-on positioning workshops. Miranda also worked part-time as Corporate Supervisor in the Mammography Department at University Health, Kansas City, Mo where she collaborated with the Lead Interpreting Physician to ensure all breast imaging protocols, workflows, quality control, and quality assurance issues/concerns were addressed and managed per MQSA/ACR guidelines. In February of 2023, Miranda accepted the position of Director of Women’s Imaging Education at MTMI. In this role, Miranda oversees and manages the Women’s Imaging portfolio of courses and events. Miranda is passionate about women’s health education and continues to provide hands-on positioning workshops as well as teaches several MTMI programs such as Initial Mammography Training, Conquering MQSA and ACR, and many more CEU webinars.   

Credits

Accredited training programs

ASRT Category A Credit Information

ASRT Category A

This program provides 3.25 hour(s) of Category A continuing education credit for radiologic technologists approved by ASRT and recognized by the ARRT® and various licensure states. Category A credit is also recognized for CE credit in Canada. You must attend the entire program to receive your certificate of completion.