Mammography Physics & MQSA Surveys
Annual MQSA mammography physics surveys and ACR accreditation support by board-certified medical physicists serving FL, MD, VA, DC, CA, NV, PA, NY, NJ, and DE.
What's included
Annual MQSA Mammography Survey
Full medical physicist survey meeting FDA 21 CFR 900 and state requirements, with a written report suitable for FDA and ACR submission
ACR Mammography Accreditation Support
Phantom scoring, image quality review, mean glandular dose assessment, and accreditation submission coordination
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Unit Evaluation
Equipment performance testing for stereotactic biopsy and specimen radiography systems
FDA EQUIP Program Guidance
Support for facilities subject to FDA Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program (EQUIP) findings and corrective actions
Why it matters
- Continued MQSA certification — avoidance of regulatory citations and facility shutdowns
- ACR mammography accreditation readiness with documented physicist sign-off
- Clear mean glandular dose benchmarks and AEC/kVp performance records
- Written corrective-action support for FDA EQUIP or state findings
Designed for
What is a mammography physics survey?
Under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA, FDA 21 CFR Part 900), every mammography facility must have an annual survey performed by a qualified medical physicist. The survey evaluates equipment performance, image quality, patient dose, and safety — and the physicist's written report must be on file for FDA and state inspectors. Failing to complete the survey on schedule is a MQSA violation that can result in facility closure.
DRPS provides MQSA-compliant annual surveys performed by board-certified medical physicists with deep experience in mammography QC and ACR accreditation requirements.
What we measure
Image quality
ACR mammography phantom scoring (fibers, speck groups, masses) in all acquisition modes, including 2D digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) where applicable.
Patient dose
Mean glandular dose (MGD) estimation and comparison against regulatory reference levels; AEC performance across clinically relevant breast thicknesses and compositions.
Equipment performance
kVp accuracy and reproducibility, HVL, image receptor and compression force checks, artifact evaluation, collimation, and spatial resolution.
Radiation output and safety
X-ray output reproducibility, tube-output linearity, and leakage radiation.
Services
Annual MQSA medical physicist survey
A comprehensive annual evaluation covering all required physicist tests under 21 CFR 900.12(e), with a compliant written report and corrective-action recommendations where needed.
ACR mammography accreditation support
Phantom image acquisition review, mean glandular dose documentation, and coordination of the physics component of your ACR mammography accreditation submission.
Stereotactic breast biopsy unit evaluation
Equipment performance testing for dedicated stereotactic biopsy systems and specimen radiography units, with written documentation suitable for facility records and accreditation bodies.
FDA EQUIP corrective-action support
Guidance and documentation for facilities cited under the FDA EQUIP program, including physicist-level review of the cited deficiencies and written response support.
Service area
DRPS serves mammography facilities in Florida, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. Remote consultation and report review are available nationally.
Regulatory framework
Mammography physics surveys at DRPS are performed in accordance with:
- FDA 21 CFR Part 900 (MQSA regulations)
- ACR Mammography Quality Control Manual
- State radiation-control program requirements in each service state
- FDA EQUIP inspection criteria
FAQ
How often does a mammography unit require a physicist survey?
MQSA requires an annual survey by a qualified medical physicist. Additional evaluations are required after major equipment repairs, software upgrades, or any change affecting image quality or patient dose.
What happens if our annual survey is overdue?
A facility operating without a current physicist survey is in violation of MQSA. Depending on inspection timing, this can result in a Level 1 or Level 2 finding and, in serious cases, facility closure. Contact DRPS promptly — we can prioritize scheduling for at-risk facilities.
Do you support ACR mammography accreditation?
Yes. DRPS provides the physics testing, phantom image review, and documentation required for new ACR mammography accreditation and reaccreditation cycles.
Do you evaluate digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems?
Yes — DBT evaluation is included in our annual survey for facilities with combination FFDM/DBT units, addressing the additional image quality and dose considerations relevant to tomosynthesis.
What is FDA EQUIP and how can DRPS help?
The FDA Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program (EQUIP) is an FDA initiative that grades mammography facilities on image quality during routine inspections. Facilities cited under EQUIP receive specific findings that require corrective action. DRPS can review the cited issues, perform targeted physicist testing, and prepare supporting documentation for your FDA response.
Related
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Talk to a board-certified medical physicist about your facility's needs.