Mammography Technologist Lead/Quality Control

Job Summary

Under direct and indirect supervision, performs mammography and DEXA examinations with physician supervision; maintains responsibility for monitoring and quality control of all mammographic and DEXA studies. Monitors and assists with direction and technical operation of mammography and DEXA examinations subsection; assists with workflow coordination. Assumes direct control of specific areas within Mammography and DEXA as assigned. Manages the Quality Control (QC) initiatives at assigned facility.

Essential Responsibilities

• Monitors technical and clinical performance of mammographers assigned to Mammography and DEXA section, and provides assistance to staff as needed. Remains responsible for quality control procedures for assigned Mammography and DEXA section.
• Completes patient history/breast assessment and/or DEXA patient fracture assessment form and transmits form into the Radiology PACS system.
• Performs mammography and DEXA studies and procedures. Positions patients, applies compression, provides immobilization means and patient counseling as required. Selects technical factors and protocols that result in optimum imaging for each individual patient. Reviews orders with peers and consults with attending Radiologists as needed. Maintains daily records of exams performed. May perform stereotactic biopsy procedures.
• Follows all National Patient Safety Goals. Receives and double identifies patients using appropriate criteria prior to performing the study ordered. Ensures accruacy of information and data entry, while maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality. Captures required documentation in Radiology Information System (RIS.)
• Prepares sterile fields as required and directed; prepares floor stock medications; ensures sterility of surgical packs, trays and disposables to be used in assigned area. Maintains appropriate and adequate supplies during the procedures. Remains proficient in performing breast localizations as pre-biopsy procedure; remains proficient in performing stereotactic breast biopsy if applicable.
• Assists radiologist during exams and procedures as needed; capturing specific mammography images and assisting with biopsy specimen collection. Operates and understands all features and performance capabilities of the mammography and DEXA systems: performs system quality control (QC) as required. Demonstrates sufficient knowledge for all quality control tests to include daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual testing; performs quality control tests when assigned. Maintains FDA and MQSA records, guidelines to meet accreditation standards.
• Post processes and performs quality control (QC) of mammography images and DEXA images as required; prepares images for Radiologist interpretation, and transmits images to the Diagnostic Imaging PACS system.
• Maintains working knowledge of all department equipment and devices. Recognizes, corrects, or reports radiographic equipment malfunctions to Service Engineer and/or Physicist.
• Monitors and assures prompt, efficient patient flow with minimal waiting time; provides assistance during patient schedule conflicts; advises receptionists as to appropriate schedule revisions and assures efficient patient flow.
• Assumes responsibilities for the needs of patient during procedure. Provides fear/stress reducing service-oriented communication with patient; explaining procedure; answering questions; providing encouragement. Emphasizes a personalized, individualized, compassionate patient care atmosphere at all times. Dismisses patients for transport and/or assists with patient transport at end of procedure.
• Provides instructions on appropriate safety measures to patients, family members, and hospital staff as required; ensures appropriate safety precautions are followed. Applies appropriate measures (ALARA Principles) for minimizing radiation exposure. Captures and records radiation dose delivered during the procedure.
• Functions as part of resuscitation team during Code Blue and/or Rapid Response Team situations.
• Orients and trains (mentors) new personnel regarding subsection operations as needed. Trains mammographers to maintain high level of image quality as well as adherence to departmental rules, standards and protocols. Maintains high personal level of competency in this area to provide constant resource for teaching and training.
• Maintains all materials needed and linen supply on daily basis; maintains general order and cleanliness of room assigned.
• Pursues ongoing continuing education.
• Attends departmental meetings and/or inservice presentations as needed or required. Reads and initials minutes of such meetings when excused absence precludes attendance.
• Evaluates productivity and patient care performances. Reports substandard levels appropriately. Advises manager of real or potential problems concerning discipline, morale, technical competency, interpersonal relations, etc.