ACR/BI-RADS Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is the copyright owner of a work entitled Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), which contains a guide to standardized mammographic reporting, including a breast-imaging lexicon of terminology, a report organization and assessment structure and coding system. The Third Edition includes the latest BI-RADS revision along with statistical definitions and explanation for performing a mammography audit. At present, imaging modalities used as diagnostic adjuncts to mammography such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) are not classified using BI-RADS. Imaging techniques classified as investigational by the FDA have not been considered in developing the BI-RADS system.

BI-RADS Assessment Categories:

Category 0: Need Additional Imaging Evaluation
Category 1: Negative
Category 2: Benign Finding
Category 3: Probably Benign Finding; Short Interval Follow-Up Suggested
Category 4: Suspicious Abnormality; Biopsy Should Be Considered
Category 5: Highly Suggestive of Malignancy; Appropriate Action Should Be Taken

The ACR's BI-RADS system is the product of a collaborative effort between members of various committees of the ACR with cooperation from the National Cancer Institute, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the American College of Pathologists. According to the ACR, the BI-RADS system is intended to guide radiologists and referring physicians in the breast cancer decision making process that facilitates the management of patients.

The ACR provides detailed information on the BI-RADS system including a full text version of the document at http://www.acr.org/SecondaryMainMenuCategories/quality_safety/BIRADSAtlas.aspx

Patient information about the BI-RADS system is available at http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/acrbi.asp

Copyright Notice

American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) Third Edition. Reston, Va: American College of Radiology; 1998. All rights reserved.

Updated: November 21, 2007