The Dutch experience of digital mammography in screening

In The Netherlands a number of (screening) trials with digital mammography have started. The first trial began in 1999, in which the applicability of digital mammography was tested in a clinical environment. For this purpose a GE Senographe 2000D was installed in the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre. The outcome of this trial was positive. Therefore in 2002 a second trial started at a static screening site in Utrecht with a Lorad Selenia system. In this trial, digital mammography was evaluated in a screening environment with its specific demands regarding workflow. In 2004 two more trials were started with mobile digital screening units. In these trials, a Fuji FCR Profect and an Agfa DM 1000 system were installed in the screening units. This summer a new trial will start at a static screening unit in Nijmegen in which digital mammography equipment from different vendors (General Electric, IMS, Sectra, Planmed) will be installed to test connectivity. Results of all trials will be presented with emphasis on physical and technical aspects and workflow issues. Problems with the mammography systems in the trials will be discussed. Besides this, some experiences with digital mammography equipment in Dutch hospitals will be discussed with emphasis on possible pitfalls.