Our front-desk staff will greet you when you arrive at Touchstone Medical Imaging and give you further instructions to help you fill out any necessary paperwork. You can also print forms and pre-fill them before your appointment.
Your technologist will escort you to a private, designated mammography area when it’s your turn. All Touchstone Medical Imaging technologists have certification in mammography by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
The technologist will position your breast on a special platform and apply gradual compression. This helps spread out the breast tissue and holds the breast still during imaging. X-ray tubes will move over your breast in an arc to take multiple images. Your technologist will ask you to hold your position briefly during each scan to keep the images from blurring. The mammogram test typically takes about 30 minutes, but the actual compression time is just a few seconds per scan.
One of our fellowship-trained, subspecialty radiologists will read your 3D images and look for abnormal tissue. Your doctor will receive your results in approximately 24–36 hours, and you can also receive results by mail or email. If needed, your doctor may schedule a follow-up scan or additional tests to help rule out cancer in areas of concern.
The following tips can help your 3D mammogram go more smoothly.
TIME YOUR TEST.
Schedule 3D screening mammography scans one week after your period. Your breasts are less sensitive during this time.
PROVIDE DETAILS.
Review your medical history before your appointment. Your radiologist needs to know about your personal and family medical history, as well as about new findings in your breasts, prior surgeries and hormone use, in order to fully interpret your results. Be prepared to give a clear overview, which helps with diagnosis.
Bring a disc or films of previous mammograms if you had the tests at other facilities, or let your radiologist know how to obtain the films. These can help your radiologist detect subtle changes and better understand abnormalities in your current mammogram.
KNOW WHAT NOT TO WEAR.
Do not apply talcum powder, deodorant, lotion or perfume under your arms or on your breasts before the scan. Traces of deodorant or other products may appear on the mammogram as areas of concern.
Dress in comfortable clothing and opt for separates, such as a loose shirt paired with pants, shorts or a skirt, so you do not have to fully remove a dress or jumpsuit for your scan.