iaea human health series publications - SEDIM

Appendix IMAMMOGRAPHY ROOM DESIGN 37I.1.LAYOUTThe layout of the mammography room should allow the radiographer easy access to the patient from all sidesduring the procedure. This generally means that there must be at least a 2 m distance from the centre of rotation ofthe gantry to the nearest wall. This will allow adequate clearance and access during an MLO view. There must beenough room at the operating console for the operator and one observer (e.g. a trainee) to stand behind theprotective shield.I.2.CASSETTE STORAGE FOR CR PLATESThere must be a place to store the loaded cassettes in the room, behind the protective shield (cassettes shouldbe stored vertically, not lying flat). It is a good idea to have a number of shelves or slots with clear markingsindicating where exposed cassettes are to be placed. At least four cassettes of each size must be accommodated.I.3.OTHER STORAGE AND WORKING AREAThere must also be adequate, easily accessible storage for the removable grid assemblies, magnification stand,compressor plates and collimator plates. Convenient storage for the flat field phantom should be close to the unit.There should be a work surface at least large enough to accommodate the client record sheets, and a flat surface forwriting.I.4.VIEWBOXA viewbox may be mounted in the mammography room for the review of prior screen film images. It shouldbe placed at a comfortable height for the radiographer, normally with the top edge of the viewing area at 155 cmabove the floor. There should be a work ledge below, not to exceed 30 cm in depth, permitting the radiographer toapproach the viewbox. The intensity of this viewbox should closely match that of the viewbox used by theradiologist for reading mammograms, and a mammoviewer/magnifier and adequate masking should be available.I.5.ROOM LIGHTINGTo maintain a room brightness of 50 lx or less for correct viewing of images on the acquisition displaymonitor, and to allow visualization of the field illuminator, the room lights should be equipped with a dimmerswitch. The windows (preferably frosted for privacy) should be fitted with shades and/or drapes.I.6.SINK AND CLEANING PRODUCTSA sink in the room is not a requirement; however, for infection control it is a good idea for the radiographer towash his or her hands between each client examination, especially if there is any discharge from the nipple. If37This appendix has been adapted from material developed by the Ontario Breast Screening Program, Toronto, Canada. Thehelp of that organization is gratefully acknowledged.137