But not just yet. If and when GE's system is approved, it will be only for hard-copy mammograms. If they want to manipulate the image, they'll have to print out another copy. That's how the FDA instructed GE to do a small study comparing digital and film mammography. One drawback of digital mammography is cost.
Radiologists say they already are losing money doing mammograms.
The cost of technology tends to fall over time, and some savings should be realized with the elimination of the need to buy film, digital mammography proponents note. Meanwhile, the National Cancer Institute, not the makers, may end up paying for a large screening trial comparing digital and film mammograms. The NCI is reviewing an American College of Radiology Imaging Network proposal to screen 42,000 women with film mammography and one of four companies' digital mammography systems. No, I'm not sure.