[Intl_DxMedPhys] GE Pristina Flat Field Uniformity

Wed Jan 28 10:37:33 EST 2026

 I do not have much experience with GE mammography systems. Do you have any
photos of the artifact? I’m curious to see it.
Imendra

On Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 9:30 AM Mike Nimmo via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <
intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu> wrote:

> I used to test 10+ Pristina's per year and also experienced this artifact
> frequently. Erika, it's wild how much that Ag filter looks just like the
> artifact. Thanks for sharing. Mike Nimmo On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 9: 17 AM
> Erika Ripley via
> I used to test 10+ Pristina's per year and also experienced this artifact
> frequently.
>
> Erika, it's wild how much that Ag filter looks just like the artifact.
> Thanks for sharing.
>
> Mike Nimmo
>
> On Wed, Jan 28, 2026, 9:17 AM Erika Ripley via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <
> intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu> wrote:
>
>> I have also had this issue, though not as extreme, on several GEs in the
>> last couple years. I was also told about the cold tube calibrations and
>> they were fixed by new collimators. Guess which one is the Ag filter on
>> this one. -Erika Ripley,
>> I have also had this issue, though not as extreme, on several GEs in the
>> last couple years. I was also told about the cold tube calibrations and
>> they were fixed by new collimators. Guess which one is the Ag filter on
>> this one.
>>
>>
>>
>> -Erika Ripley, Ph.D., DABR, DABSNM
>> Texas Licensed Medical Physicist
>> 972-938-7626
>>
>> On Tue, Jan 27, 2026, 9:14 PM David Erickson via
>> Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hey Matt, I’ve seen this exact looking issue before recently (maybe two
>>> months ago). Before I answer to this recent experience I will say that
>>> sometimes the Rh/Ag combo doesn’t look amazing but upon inspection of the
>>> RAWS per the manual, they
>>> Hey Matt,
>>> I’ve seen this exact looking issue before recently (maybe two months
>>> ago).
>>>
>>> Before I answer to this recent experience I will say that sometimes the
>>> Rh/Ag combo doesn’t look amazing but upon inspection of the RAWS per the
>>> manual, they don’t look as bad. Some are much better than others—-I test
>>> about 20-30 a year. But recently it was different; terrible on mags and
>>> terrible with the Bucky; even distracting in the phantom scoring.
>>>
>>> I was told by GE that their Ag filter makeup was recently changed within
>>> the collimator (not entirely sure what that means) which is responsible for
>>> this.
>>>
>>> I could not in good faith pass it when observed initially so a second
>>> collimator was sent and swapped out. It was better than the first but still
>>> not great—-better because apparently there is a new calibration procedure
>>> with collimators having this new filter where calibrations have to be
>>> completed slowly and on a “cold tube”. From my understanding this is a
>>> known issue. The “cold tube” calibration procedure helps but images still
>>> are not my favorite. Acceptable but not my favorite imo.
>>> Interpreting rads were made aware initially too of this system and were
>>> instructed to call out anything egregious—-all quiet thus far.
>>>
>>> Hope that helps. Let me know if you find out more or hear anything else!
>>>
>>> Respectfully,
>>> David Erickson, MS, DABR
>>> Diagnostic Imaging Medical Physics
>>> david.dephysics at gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> On Tue, Jan 27, 2026 at 10:31 High, Maynard via
>>> Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> This “orange peel” artifact, whatever the cause is quite common in
>>>> Pristina ACR accreditation phantom submissions. So common that as an ACR
>>>> phantom reviewer, I cringe every time I see a Pristina phantom to score,
>>>> because there is
>>>>
>>>> This “orange peel” artifact, whatever the cause is quite common in
>>>> Pristina ACR accreditation phantom submissions. So common that as an ACR
>>>> phantom reviewer, I cringe every time I see a Pristina phantom to score,
>>>> because there is a good possibility of seeing this unacceptable artifact.
>>>> In such cases I am then obliged to spend considerable time typing out
>>>> recommendations to the site for corrective action. My advice usually is to
>>>> 1) bring in GE service to address the artifact, and if that does not
>>>> resolve the artifact, 2) escalate to a higher service level in GE and keep
>>>> escalating until they send out an FSE who actually understands what is
>>>> going on.
>>>>
>>>> Thank you listers for the very informative posts. I feel now I can be a
>>>> little more focused in my advice by adding that the artifact is commonly
>>>> filter related.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Maynard High
>>>>
>>>> Westchester Medical Center / NYMC
>>>>
>>>> maynard.high at wmchealth.org
>>>>
>>>> 914-493-1410
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *From:* Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <
>>>> intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list-bounces at lists.osu.edu> *On Behalf Of *Wunderle,
>>>> Kevin via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list
>>>> *Sent:* Monday, January 26, 2026 7:07 PM
>>>> *To:* Palmer, Matthew R. (BIDMC - Radiology) <mpalmer at bidmc.harvard.edu>;
>>>> DxMedPhys List <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu>
>>>> *Subject:* [EXTERNAL] Re: [Intl_DxMedPhys] GE Pristina Flat Field
>>>> Uniformity
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hi Matt,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I can offer an informed speculation. Many moons ago, I experienced
>>>> something very similar on half a dozen GE Senograph FFDM units. The issue
>>>> we encountered was due to imperfections in the x-ray filters and the
>>>> imaging system's inability to perfectly align the filter wheel once it
>>>> cycled.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Our experience mirrored your description with similar artifacts. After
>>>> performing a flat-field calibration, the flat-field images looked great
>>>> until the filter wheel was rotated. This could be done manually on the
>>>> system interface, or it could happen automatically when the system was
>>>> rebooted.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I suggest you (or your service person) perform your flat-field
>>>> calibration, reshoot your flat-field artifact eval (which should look
>>>> great), then manually cycle the filter several times and reshoot. If this
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/395*W.*12th*Avenue,**A0D*0A*Floor*4,*Room*424?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKw!!KGKeukY!0rgZy4USbn1wfHqo0w-S8OhuB6d6rahNd5osjV5oUP0X93to6dSw02_wHB75eIcZx6gkssL1-D_pD607fJdN8YWizkqmFHhiVWaiK-dp8-CYoomZ$>
>>>> is the cause, those artifacts will reappear. Repeat this for both the Rh
>>>> and Ag filters.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Unfortunately, on the older GE systems, there was no way to improve the
>>>> filter wheel positioning accuracy. When we experienced the issue, we shut
>>>> down six units and GE flew in mammo experts from Buc, France to investigate
>>>> and mitigate the problem. The only solution was to obtain hand-picked
>>>> filters from China that were as close to perfectly flat as possible which,
>>>> for all intent and purpose, resolved the issue.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Let us know if this turns out to be the root cause.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> All the best,
>>>>
>>>> Kevin
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> [image: The Ohio State University]
>>>> *Kevin Wunderle, PhD, FAAPM, FACR*
>>>> Professor, Department of Radiology
>>>>
>>>> Diagnostic Medical Physicist
>>>> 395 W. 12th Avenue,
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/395*W.*12th*Avenue,**A0D*0A*Floor*4,*Room*424?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKw!!KGKeukY!0rgZy4USbn1wfHqo0w-S8OhuB6d6rahNd5osjV5oUP0X93to6dSw02_wHB75eIcZx6gkssL1-D_pD607fJdN8YWizkqmFHhiVWaiK-dp8-CYoomZ$>
>>>>
>>>> Floor 4, Room 424
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/395*W.*12th*Avenue,**A0D*0A*Floor*4,*Room*424?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKw!!KGKeukY!0rgZy4USbn1wfHqo0w-S8OhuB6d6rahNd5osjV5oUP0X93to6dSw02_wHB75eIcZx6gkssL1-D_pD607fJdN8YWizkqmFHhiVWaiK-dp8-CYoomZ$>
>>>>
>>>> Columbus, OH, 43210
>>>> 216-245-5513 Mobile
>>>> kevin.wunderle at osumc.edu
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *From:* Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <
>>>> intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list-bounces at lists.osu.edu> *On Behalf Of *Palmer,
>>>> Matthew R. (BIDMC - Radiology) via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list
>>>> *Sent:* Monday, January 26, 2026 4:39 PM
>>>> *To:* DxMedPhys List <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu>
>>>> *Subject:* [Intl_DxMedPhys] GE Pristina Flat Field Uniformity
>>>>
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/395*W.*12th*Avenue,**A0D*0A*Floor*4,*Room*424?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKw!!KGKeukY!x1Ye2myMoGx7t6eqSmrJb14MQRBKUizKko_mQ1eXOuhtKfOs0tQb9fMzPOzpUP1VlSFTl6uv92IHRrwQ0RopC1jCuHz7NqaQ_Jh5Gg$>
>>>>
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/395*W.*12th*Avenue,**A0D*0A*Floor*4,*Room*424?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKw!!KGKeukY!0kszxyLqvtUIy_W3EzgUgDxdfwUOKNj_lWsdN_QpN2i3VlVIIBU-cdSBnuhgI65qlzfXn8Ca7wytiUqZZE1LoU0KBeKhJqJKVpPlLT_-TOja$>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dear Colleagues, Multiple times recently, I’ve found artifacts when
>>>> performing the Artifact Eval and Flat Field uniformity test, on the 2D
>>>> Rh/Ag acquisitions for the GE Pristina mammo unit. I’ve pasted in a portion
>>>> of my iPhone snapshot
>>>>
>>>> Dear Colleagues,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Multiple times recently, I’ve found artifacts when performing the
>>>> Artifact Eval and Flat Field uniformity test, on the 2D Rh/Ag acquisitions
>>>> for the GE Pristina mammo unit.  I’ve pasted in a portion of my iPhone
>>>> snapshot from the AWS display.  The image quality isn’t pristine(a) and
>>>> I’ve introduced a Moire pattern (there’s no ‘zipper’-like artifact in
>>>> reality) but I think you can see the mottled appearance pretty clearly.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> After the FSE runs the gain cal, the artifacts disappear – for about a
>>>> day then reappear.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> FSE’s feedback from GE experts is that not to worry – the artifacts
>>>> won’t affect clinical images.  That’s hard to swallow.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I was astonished that the tech’s weren’t picking up the artifacts in
>>>> their weekly QC so I ran their Flat Field test from the tech IQST Weekly QC
>>>> page.  The images shown briefly (but not saved as far as I can tell) during
>>>> the test sequence look perfect (although you can’t adjust the window/level).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> I’m wondering if anyone has had this problem or can shed any light on
>>>> it.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Matt Palmer
>>>>
>>>> BIDMC Radiology
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *Matthew R. Palmer, PhD, DABR*
>>>> Director, Medical Imaging Physics, Department of Radiology
>>>>
>>>> Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
>>>> Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
>>>> 330 Brookline Avenue
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/330*Brookline*Avenue**B0D*0ABoston,*MA*02215**B0D*0Aoffice:*617?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKyUlKw!!KGKeukY!0rgZy4USbn1wfHqo0w-S8OhuB6d6rahNd5osjV5oUP0X93to6dSw02_wHB75eIcZx6gkssL1-D_pD607fJdN8YWizkqmFHhiVWaiK-dp86ln8buf$>
>>>> Boston, MA 02215
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/330*Brookline*Avenue**B0D*0ABoston,*MA*02215**B0D*0Aoffice:*617?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKyUlKw!!KGKeukY!0rgZy4USbn1wfHqo0w-S8OhuB6d6rahNd5osjV5oUP0X93to6dSw02_wHB75eIcZx6gkssL1-D_pD607fJdN8YWizkqmFHhiVWaiK-dp86ln8buf$>
>>>> office: 617
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/search/330*Brookline*Avenue**B0D*0ABoston,*MA*02215**B0D*0Aoffice:*617?entry=gmail&source=g__;KysrKyUlKysrKyUlKw!!KGKeukY!0rgZy4USbn1wfHqo0w-S8OhuB6d6rahNd5osjV5oUP0X93to6dSw02_wHB75eIcZx6gkssL1-D_pD607fJdN8YWizkqmFHhiVWaiK-dp86ln8buf$>-667-0176
>>>> fax: 617-667-2770
>>>> mobile: 617-794-1736 pager: 617-632-7243 #32214
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------------------------------
>>>>
>>>> PLEASE NOTE: This message is intended for the use of the person to whom
>>>> it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged,
>>>> confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are
>>>> not the intended recipient, your use of this message for any purpose is
>>>> strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error,
>>>> please delete the message and notify the sender so that we may correct our
>>>> records. See our web page at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.bilh.org__;!!KGKeukY!3d6GU11ZzW9-zVoL8Z-IMiobhxI33Tt5dNY1vTDz2yU2OwTJVX3udvxXZpYZAd5txtATO32OSua4TE-6F_MXEHeeNxtmgo8LdTgf-az0$ 
>>>> <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.bilh.org__;!!KGKeukY!yPXjQjwtVfXFt-7mTxRycQxsuL5wT3jVEnZVQtVDhgKLkcWAtRAcVpzHasCOwejFq3t4iE207kdiJ4S7kfrqV3zLI7pq7IHjXHYpMUWnz72j2EY$>
>>>> for a full directory of Beth Israel Lahey Health sites, staff, services and
>>>> career opportunities.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *!*
>>>> External Email Security Notice
>>>>
>>>> *WMCHealth Security Alert **ELEVATED THREAT LEVEL*
>>>>
>>>> Caution: Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize
>>>> the sender. Never provide your User ID or Password.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/private/intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list/attachments/20260128/7b143323/attachment.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: 1000052782.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 669994 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/private/intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list/attachments/20260128/7b143323/attachment.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 3605 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/private/intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list/attachments/20260128/7b143323/attachment.png>