The University of Iowa Breast Imaging Center has been designated as an American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. Laurie Fajardo, MD head of the UI Department of Radiology, says UI Hospitals and Clinics is the only designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence in Iowa.

Fajardo says the American College of Radiology has accreditation programs for various aspects of equipment and technology used in medical imaging. “One of their starship accreditation programs focuses around mammography and centers that perform breast cancer screening. That program has been around for 15 to 20 years. It is based on a facility having, state-of-the-art mammography imaging systems, and also regular testing on these systems.”

Center of Excellence accreditation requires that:

• Equipment is tested regularly and often
• Technologists are specially trained, perform a certain number of mammograms every month, and have continuing education credits
• Radiologists are qualified to interpret a mammogram, have specialized training, interpret a certain number of mammograms a month, and have continuing education credits

Fajardo says the Breast Imaging Center goes beyond just mammography and offers ultrasound imaging, MRI, and biopsies. “In each case, we have to meet the standards of excellence for equipment, technologists, and radiologists must be met.”

For more information:

Laurie Fajardo, MD

Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

UI Breast Health

UI Breast Imaging Center

American College of Radiology