Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP)

The Canadian Association of Radiologists Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) is an initiative instituted over fifteen years ago to ensure that the quality of mammography images meets the highest standards. This voluntary program offers radiologists the opportunity for peer review and evaluation of their facility's staff qualifications, equipment performance, quality control and quality assurance programs, image quality, breast dose, and processor quality control.

The impetus for the program came as a result of the concerns of radiologists, other national medical organizations, and the public, that only qualified personnel perform and interpret mammograms and that dedicated mammography equipment remains optimally operational to ensure that women receive mammography examinations with the lowest possible dose and risk. Equipment calibration, performance, quality control activities, continuing technologist and radiologist education are all evaluated.

Today, nearly 450 facilities enjoy the benefits of being accredited through the CAR, and this number continues to grow. Facilities successfully completing all the CAR requirements will be granted accreditation for a three year period and will be listed on the CAR website.