Screening Whole-Breast Ultrasound
At Onsite Women’s Health, we offer two supplemental screening breast ultrasound solutions designed to support women with dense breast tissue and help practices expand access to comprehensive breast screening services—allowing patients to receive care without ever having to leave your practice:
What is Screening Breast Ultrasound?
Screening Breast Ultrasound provides real-time imaging that can help radiologists further evaluate areas of concern and determine whether a finding is fluid-filled, fatty or a solid mass. Ultrasound may also be used to help guide breast procedures, including biopsies.
Often used as a supplemental breast cancer screening tool following a mammogram, Screening Breast Ultrasound can provide additional information necessary for a more complete evaluation. It is frequently recommended for women with dense breast tissue, as dense tissue can make it more difficult to identify abnormalities on mammography alone.
Breast Density Facts
Dense breast tissue affects 40%-50% of U.S. women ages 40-74.
Some women with dense breast tissue may need additional imaging to help find cancers.
Women with very dense breast tissue are 4-5 times more likely to develop breast cancer.
As part of the FDA’s national breast density reporting standard, mammography providers are now required to notify patients if they have dense breast tissue and encourage conversations about whether supplemental screening may be appropriate.
Understanding the Difference: ABUS vs. HHUS
Both ABUS and HHUS are clinically appropriate supplemental screening options, but they differ in how images are acquired and incorporated into practice workflows.
Automated Whole-Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)
ABUS uses a specialized system to scan the entire breast automatically. This innovative technology provides 3D breast ultrasound, capturing multiple cross-sectional images that are reconstructed into a three-dimensional view of the breast tissue. This ensures a comprehensive scan of the entire breast.
Handheld Whole-Breast Ultrasound (HHUS)
HHUS is performed manually using a handheld ultrasound transducer operated by a physician or qualified provider. This approach allows for real-time image acquisition and direct evaluation during the exam. HHUS may offer additional flexibility for practices supporting both screening and diagnostic breast ultrasound services and is often well-suited for lower-volume settings.
Selecting the Right Screening Solution for your Practice:
Our team works closely with each partner practice to determine the best-fit approach for delivering high-quality supplemental breast screening services.
