Latent image fading in screen-film mammography: lack of clinical relevance for batch-processed films.

Abstract

To assess the clinical relevance of latent image fading due to time delays in batch-processed screening mammograms. Results of all 66,667 mammographic examinations performed in a mobile van since April 1985 were retrospectively analyzed. Film was routinely batch processed at the end of the workday. The rate of repeat examination due to poor image quality, rate of abnormal interpretation, and rate of cancer detection were studied. Essentially no differences were found in the rates at which repeat examination was necessary, abnormal interpretations were made, or breast cancers were detected when examinations performed at the beginning, middle, and end of the workday were compared (time delays in film processing ranged from 15 minutes to 8 hours). Latent image fading is not accompanied by clinically relevant impairment of results if films are processed at the end of the workday. Latent image fading should not deter the use of batch-film processing.