KNOXVILLE, IA – Women who receive a mammogram at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) can be confident they are receiving the highest level of image quality and safety in their examinations, as the hospital was recently awarded a three-year term of accreditation in 3D mammography from 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. Mammograms are used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast disease in women. KHC has offered 3D Mammography since October 2019.
“Early detection of breast cancer means faster intervention and improved survival rates. We are very proud to receive this important designation that recognizes our strength in quality breast imaging,” said Angela Lund, KHC Lead Mammographer.
Lund has worked at the hospital since 2014 and was instrumental in helping the hospital achieve ACR accreditation.
The ACR accreditation is considered the “gold standard” in accreditation. 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. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are all assessed as part of the accreditation process.
Lund says breast tomosynthesis is one of the most promising new diagnostic tools in detecting breast cancer early when it is most curable. “One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. The cutting-edge 3D mammography technology is shown to improve breast cancer detection rates. Breast tomosynthesis takes multiple images of the entire breast to see through the layers of breast tissue and examine the areas of concern from all angles. When cancers are found earlier, it increases the chances of survival.”
The findings are then reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.
To schedule a 3D Mammogram at KHC, call (641) 842-1518.
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics is a non-profit community hospital serving Marion County and the surrounding area. Voted as Red Rock’s Best Place to Work, KHC’s highly skilled medical staff and specialists provide personal, compassionate and innovative quality health care to patients. For more information regarding this release and other happenings at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, call the Public Relations office at (641) 842-1485.
Photo cutline: Michelle Irwin (Director of Imaging) and Angela Lund (Lead Mammographer) in front of the new 3D mammography equipment that was installed at Knoxville Hospital & Clinics in October.