Mammography Screen-Film Contact Test Tool

©JRT Associates 2008

• Identifies poor screen-film contact in cassettes
• Identifies problems that can affect image sharpness

Proper screen-film contact is essential for optimum image quality. The loss of contact and resolution is critical in areas of tiny calcifications or very subtle nodules. Contact testing should be performed on a routine basis to ensure the best possible image quality.

Because of the high resolution imaging capabilities of mammographic screenfilm systems (16 to 20 cycles/mm vs. a conventional system with 4 to 8 cycles/mm), a fine mesh contact tool should be used to detect areas of poor contact. The Mammography Screen-Film Contact Test Tool consists of a copper screen with 40 wires per inch, laminated in white vinyl-covered plastic (with the equivalent density of 4 cm thickness of acrylic).

Just lay the contact tool over the cassette. Move the compression device as close as possible to the x-ray tube, and make an exposure. Process the film and look for screen-film clarity across the film. Dark areas indicate poor screen-film contact.

18-207 Mammography Screen-Film Contact Test Tool

The dark areas in this image indicate poor screen-film contact

This image demonstrates good screen-film contact