GENERAL ADVICE
6
Positioning
Correct positioning of the breast is extremely important. If the
entire breast is not in the X-ray field, or there is something block-
ing the X-ray field, the whole diagnosis can be incorrect. It is also
easier to apply good compression when the positioning is correct.
Compression
Proper and adequate compression is necessary in order to reduce
the radiation dose, displace the tissue apart and avoid blurring
due to motion. Inadequate compression can, for example, mean
that small micro-calcifications do not appear on the X-ray image,
as a result of which the patient risks getting an incorrect diagnosis.
Opcomp
Siemens MAMMOMAT 1000/3000 Nova are fitted with Opcomp.
Opcomp senses for each individual breast when the compression
force is sufficient for optimal image quality. The force can be
increased but this only adds to the discomfort and does not provide
any improvement in image quality. Opcomp is purely an aid. It
is always the operator who decides if the compression is to stop
before, after or on the Opcomp value.
When using Opcomp, the foot switch is to be kept pressed down
during the whole compression process. Using a pumping techni-
que on the foot switch can result in the Opcomp indication failing
to appear.
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