NHS Breast Test and Training Service

NHS England is to conduct market engagement to obtain input and feedback in preparation for a potential tender of a Breast Test and Training service.

A Breast Test and Training service is required to support the role of the Screening Quality Assurance Service (SQAS) in ensuring compliance of all local screening programmes.

The current Breast Test and Trace service is a web based, quality assurance system, utilising bespoke Software. It tests image readers, within the screening programme, in their individual skill in identifying appropriate signs of breast cancer from a preselected set of radiographic images. It is mandatory for all image readers in the NHSBCSP to take part twice a year. Participation in the scheme is mandatory within the national service specification due to the realisable benefits to programme professionals reporting breast images. It allows new image readers and those returning following an absence from work to assess their capability in reporting breast images (malignant, benign and normal). This gives reassurance that the reader is competent and also tests their ability to accurately report breast examinations. It also serves as a refresher course for existing image readers and allows access to radiological images of rare and unusual breast lesions which they would not normally be exposed to which can help reduce the incidence of false positive and false negative diagnoses.