Cincinnati -- After an extensive program review, University Hospital's Breast Imaging Center has been accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for breast ultrasound and ultrasound guided breast biopsy. University is the only facility in Cincinnati to receive this accreditation.

The ACR accreditation program sets quality standards for health care imaging practices. The program evaluates qualifications of personnel, equipment performance, and effectiveness of quality-control measures. It is believed that these are primary factors that affect the quality of clinical images and, ultimately, the quality of patient care.

"This approval highlights the exceptional quality of our breast ultrasound program," said Mary Mahoney, M.D., medical director, breast imaging, University Hospital and Associate Professor of Radiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. "We're proud that the ACR has recognized the level of excellence we offer at University for breast care."

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to make a picture of the tissues inside the breast and is used to see whether a breast lump is filled with non-cancerous fluid or if it is a solid lump (which can be cancer). A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which is hard to study with a mammogram. Ultrasounds also help doctors guide the needle during a biopsy procedure.

The American College of Radiology is the nation's leading organization representing radiologists. It offers its members valuable information and resources in the areas of education, research and advocacy to advance the profession and ensure the highest quality of radiological care for patients. Since 1963, the ACR has developed and administered various accreditation programs that assess the quality of imaging facilities.

University Hospital's Breast Imaging Center offers comprehensive imaging services for women and is accredited by the American College of Radiology for mammography, breast ultrasound, breast ultrasound biopsy and stereotactic breast biopsy. All images are read and all procedures are performed by board certified, ACR-accredited radiologists specially trained in the interpretation of breast imaging.

University Hospital is part of the Health Alliance, an integrated health care delivery system that also includes The Christ Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals, The Jewish Hospital, Fort Hamilton Hospital, Drake Center, West Chester Medical Center and the physicians of Alliance Primary Care. To view other Health Alliance news releases, go to www.health-alliance.com/pressroom.

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