The Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR) integrates service accreditation with the technical analysis of images and reports, performed by volunteer specialist physicians.
Quality in diagnostic imaging involves different dimensions: infrastructure, management, patient safety, and, fundamentally, the quality of the examinations that guide clinical decisions. From this perspective, the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Program (PADI), developed by the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR), combines the evaluation of organizational and care standards with a specific stage of technical analysis of images and medical reports.
This approach broadens the scope of accreditation. In addition to verifying how the service is organized and how its processes are executed, the program incorporates evidence related to the technical outcome of the diagnostic work, considering the particularities of each specialty.
Technical assessment conducted by experts.
The analysis is performed by a network of over 70 volunteer medical specialists, distributed across committees in areas such as Mammography, Musculoskeletal, Neuroradiology, Cardiology/Thorax, Abdomen, Head and Neck, Bone Densitometry, Ultrasound, Interventional Radiology, and Nuclear Medicine. Each committee applies its own technical guidelines, which guide the evaluation of image acquisition and quality, diagnostic interpretation, and the consistency of reports.
The results are used in conjunction with other evidence in the accreditation process. Therefore, the analysis of the tests complements the verification of the operational conditions of the services, without replacing the assessments of management, infrastructure, safety, and assistance.
Results and reach of quality programs
Between April and October 2026, PADI completed the technical evaluation of 586 exams from 33 diagnostic imaging services. Considering also the CBR Quality Seal programs, 975 exam evaluations were completed, covering 78 institutions during the same period. These numbers represent the samples submitted for technical analysis within the scope of the programs.
The scope of certifications is even broader when considering the healthcare activity of participating services. Data consolidated in March 2026 indicates 5,061 pieces of equipment certified by the CBR (Brazilian College of Radiology), in modalities such as Ultrasound, Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, X-ray, Bone Densitometry, and Nuclear Medicine. These services represent 2,676,185 exams performed monthly—a dimension that highlights the relevance of technical quality for a large volume of care.
From assessment to learning and patient safety.
The model also has an educational character. The non-conformities identified in the evaluations provide input for the improvement of technical guidelines, educational materials, and professional training actions. In mammography, for example, doctors whose exams are rejected can access a free refresher course provided by the CBR, strengthening the learning process and the qualification of diagnostic practice.
By combining standards assessment, technical review of examinations, and medical education, PADI reinforces a comprehensive view of quality. The goal is not only to verify the conformity of services, but also to stimulate the evolution of diagnostic quality and contribute to the safety of patients who depend on these results for the continuity of their care.
Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR) www.cbr.org.br | Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Program (PADI) | www.padi.org.br
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