2. What is it?
• Mammography is an x-ray examination of
the breasts to detect abnormalities.
• Mammogram is taken by positioning the
patients breast on the mammography
machine and having a compression paddle
apply pressure to the breast, flattening it.
3. What you need to know…
• When scheduling a patient
for a mammogram make
sure the appointment is
when the patients breasts
are least tender, usually
after her period.
• Usually preformed bilaterally
(on both breasts).
4. How to prepare the patient...
• Should avoid caffeine several days before the test.
• No lotions, powders, or deodorant are to be used the
morning of the test.
• The patient will be standing for 15 minutes during the
procedure.
• Explain that there may be some discomfort because
the x-ray machine will separately compress each
breast, both superior to inferior and medial to lateral
• Patient should wear 2-piece outfits, so only clothing
from the waist up needs to be removed.
