News

Iredell Health System’s Imaging Services has earned a three-year term of accreditation in mammography as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Mammography is a specific type of imaging test that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

Fulfilling the accreditation’s facility equipment and image quality components, Iredell Health System Imaging utilizes GE SenoClaire technology to gather detailed 3D images enabling its radiologists to see minute changes in breast tissue.

Lois Beckett, the mammography supervisor of Iredell Health System’s Women’s Health Center, spoke regarding the accreditation’s personnel standards requiring educated and certified personnel qualified to perform medical imaging, interpret images, and administer radiation therapy treatments.

“Our personnel are experts and have been with Iredell Health System for many years,” Beckett said. “All of our staff members continually expand their knowledge with continuing education throughout the year. Our patients return to familiar faces which helps them feel at ease.”

Iredell Health System Imaging met standards of quality control procedures and quality assurance programs by having quality control tests performed weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually.

“The standards we follow are quite strict, and achieving this accreditation attests to our compliance,” Beckett said.

The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.

Iredell Health System also operates the Iredell Mammography Fund, which provides screening mammograms to women unable to pay for the life-saving tests themselves. The fund relies on donations to operate. Anyone interested in making a donation can call the Women’s Health Center at 704-878-4551. All donations go toward assisting patients.

The ACR, founded in 1924, is a professional medical society dedicated to serving patients and society by empowering radiology professionals to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care. The College serves more than 37,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services.