Patient Services
Patient Prep & Instruction Manual
Updated May 2006
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Scheduled Test: BREAST IMAGING - DIAGNOSTIC
| When:_____________ | Date:_____________ | Time:_____________ |
| Where: | You will report to Outpatient Radiology Reception (first floor Silverstein building). Look for signs to Outpatient Radiology Reception area where you are to check in.
|
| Purpose: | A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. A specialist, called a radiologist, will read the mammogram to see if there are any suspicious areas. |
| Preparation: | A woman who has very tender breasts might want to take Tylenol an hour before she comes in for her mammogram. This might help alleviate some of the discomfort she could experience during the test.
If you have had previous mammograms at another institution, please bring those mammograms with you on the day of the exam so that they can be compared with the mammogram being done that day. |
| Procedure: | This test takes between 20-60 minutes depending on the exact exam being performed.
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine that uses a small amount of radiation. A specially trained technologist positions your breast between two plastic plates. For a few seconds, pressure is applied to flatten the breast and get a good, clear picture. Two pictures are usually taken of each breast. If any additional imaging is needed the technologist will explain thoroughly why this is necessary. Some women report discomfort, but it lasts a few seconds and a firm compression is an important part of a quality exam. Please do not bring children to the mammography section. Necessary arrangements must be made. |
| After Care: | After your test you may resume your normal activities. Your attending Physician will discuss the results of the mammogram with you.
Please call a nurse coordinator at 349-5469, if you have any questions. |
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The University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA © 2006,
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About
UPHS Contact Us
Site Map Privacy
Statement
Legal Disclaimer
Terms of Use
The University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA © 2006,
The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
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The University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA © 2006,
The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
XHTML CSS