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BUSINESS REVIEW
Biomedical Services
System : Full Field Digital
Mammography
Venue : KPJ Selangor Specialist
Hospital
Special Features
The Full-field Digital Mammography (FFDM)
uses digital technology and x-rays to capture
an image on a computer as opposed to an
analogue mammography which captures
an image on traditional film. A digital
mammogramdiffers froma filmmammogram
in that it uses a special detector to capture
and convert x-ray energy into a digital image.
The procedure and appearance of the
machine and even the images produced are
very similar to a traditional film mammogram.
The advantage really comes from the ability
to manipulate the image electronically.
Digital mammography offers a number of practical advantages and patient conveniences:
• As there is no waiting for film to be developed, digital images are immediately available.
The technologist can evaluate the quality of the images as they are taken. That means
patients spend less time in the exam room and rarely need to return for repeat images due
to under or over exposures;
• The digital machine is fast, so patients spend less time in uncomfortable positions;
•
Brightness, darkness, or contrast can be adjusted and sections of an image can be
magnified after the mammogram is complete making it easier to see subtle differences
between tissues;
•
The ability to increase contrast when imaging dense tissue is particularly important, as
dense breast tissue and malignant cells both appear to be white on a film mammogram;
•
Digital images are easily stored and retrieved;
•
Transmission of images from one physician to another is quick and easy;
•
Digital technology provides a platform for new technologies, such as CAD software,
dedicated to advancing the early detection of breast cancer.
Annual Report
2012
KPJ Healthcare Berhad