March 14, 2007

Mammography Equipment and Personnel Inspected Annually

To help insure patient safety, the Nassau County Department of Health inspects all mammography X-ray equipment at hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and other installations. A certified professional from the Health Department annually examines all mammography facilities to insure they meet quality standards for personnel, equipment, maximum allowable radiation dose, and other areas as specified in the Federal Mammography Quality Standards Act.

Every facility offering mammographies in Nassau County must be accredited by the American College of Radiology and have an up-to-date certificate from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.) This certificate should be prominently displayed for public view.

In Nassau County, there are 49 facilities with 75 mammography machines. Currently, all are in compliance.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast caner. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, if you are age 40 years or older, be sure to have a screening mammogram every one to two years.