If your doctor has referred you for breast imaging, you may be feeling uneasy about what comes next. We want to make that as easy as possible.

Jones Radiology provides diagnostic breast imaging at clinics across Adelaide and regional South Australia, for patients with a referral. This includes mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided breast biopsy and localisation procedures. Your images are reported by a breast subspecialist, and we are 100% South Australian doctor-owned and operated.

Which breast imaging test will I have?

Your referral names the test your doctor has asked for. Some appointments combine more than 1 test, for example a mammogram together with an ultrasound, because each shows something different. If you are unsure what your referral means, the descriptions below may help, and the doctor who referred you can explain why they chose it.

Breast imaging is for men as well as women, and we image many male patients.

Mammography and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis)

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast. The breast is held firmly between 2 flat surfaces for a few seconds so the tissue can be seen clearly, and images are taken from more than 1 angle.

Digital breast tomosynthesis, often called 3D mammography, takes a series of thin images through the breast rather than a single flat picture, so the radiologist can look through the tissue layer by layer.

3D mammography is standard at every Jones Radiology clinic that offers mammography.

Our mammography page covers preparation, the procedure step by step, and what the appointment feels like.

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images and involves no ionising radiation. It is often used alongside a mammogram, to look more closely at a particular area, or to assess a lump that you or your doctor can feel.

Warmed gel is applied to the skin and a small handheld probe is moved across the breast and, in many cases, the armpit. It does not involve needles unless a separate procedure has been referred.

More detail is on our breast ultrasound page.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves. It is used in specific circumstances that your referring doctor or specialist will have discussed with you.

You lie face down on a purpose-built cushion and the scan takes place inside the MRI scanner, which is noisy, so hearing protection is provided.

Breast MRI involves an injection of contrast through a cannula in your arm, unless the scan is to assess the integrity of breast implants.

We offer breast MRI, including MRI for screening and staging, which a specialist arranges for particular circumstances, and implant assessment.

Breast biopsy and localisation procedures

If an area needs a closer look, your doctor may refer you for a breast biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken and sent to a pathology laboratory for examination. Imaging is used to guide the needle to the area of interest.

Local anaesthetic is used for all breast biopsy procedures, except some fine needle aspirations.

We perform stereotactic biopsy, ultrasound-guided core biopsy, MRI-guided biopsy, tomosynthesis-guided biopsy and vacuum assisted breast biopsy, along with carbon tracking and hookwire insertion, which mark an area of the breast before surgery.

Vacuum assisted breast biopsy is mainly performed under stereotactic guidance, and also under MRI and occasionally ultrasound.

We also offer fine needle aspiration, which is now mainly used for lymph nodes in the armpit.

An overview is on our breast biopsies page.

Diagnostic breast imaging and BreastScreen SA

Breast imaging in South Australia happens in 2 different settings, and it helps to know which one you are looking for.

BreastScreen SA is the free government breast screening program in South Australia. Who the program is for, and how to book, is set out on the BreastScreen SA website.

Jones Radiology provides diagnostic breast imaging, which is a different service. Diagnostic imaging is arranged by your doctor when there is a specific reason to look. That might be a symptom such as a lump, pain, or a change in the skin or nipple. It might be follow-up of something already identified, assessment before or after surgery, or imaging your specialist has asked for. It requires a referral, and the examination is chosen for your particular situation.

If you have noticed a change in your breast, see your doctor.

Preparing for your appointment

Preparation depends on which examination you are having, and the detail is on each procedure page. In general, before a breast imaging appointment:

  • Bring your referral and your Medicare card, along with any concession or health fund cards.
  • Please let our staff know where you’ve previously had breast imaging performed. We’ll request your prior images and reports directly.
  • Wear separates rather than a dress. You will be asked to undress above the waist, and a gown is provided.
  • For a mammogram, avoid deodorant, talcum powder and body lotion on the chest and underarms on the day, as these can show up on the images.
  • Tell us when you book if you are pregnant or think you may be, if you are breastfeeding, if you have breast implants, or if you have had recent breast surgery.
  • If you are having an MRI, tell us before your appointment about any pacemaker or other implanted device, any metal in your body, and any previous surgery.
  • You don’t need to stop blood-thinning medication before a breast biopsy, and you shouldn’t stop any medication unless the doctor who prescribed it tells you to. Please tell us at the time of booking so we can note it, as you may bruise or bleed a little more than usual.
  • Allow a little extra time if you need an interpreter, wheelchair access or other assistance.

Preparation specific to your test is on the mammography, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy pages.

What happens on the day

You are welcome to ask questions at any point, and to ask for the examination to pause.

Your examination takes place in a private room.

Mammograms are performed by female radiographers. Some of our breast radiologists are male, and a male radiologist may perform your biopsy or give you results.

Your support person waits outside the mammography room while the images are taken, because the examination uses X-rays.

During a biopsy there are 3 people in the room: a sonographer, a doctor and an assistant. Your support person usually waits outside, so the team can concentrate on looking after you.

Occasionally a second radiographer is in the mammography room for training or support.

Allow at least half an hour for a mammogram, and at least an hour for a mammogram combined with an ultrasound.

Your results

A radiologist reviews your images and prepares a written report, which is sent to the doctor who referred you. Your referring doctor will go through the results with you and explain what, if anything, happens next.

Where a biopsy has been performed, the tissue sample is also examined by a pathology laboratory, so there are 2 sets of findings for your doctor to consider.

Referrals, Medicare and costs

A referral is required for diagnostic breast imaging. Jones Radiology accepts all referral types. Referrals are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Fees depend on the examination, your referral and your eligibility for a Medicare rebate. There is an out-of-pocket cost for most breast imaging exams, which will be explained to you at the time of booking. Find more information on billing and Medicare rebates on our billing page.

Bookings are required for all breast imaging examinations.

Where to have breast imaging

Not every clinic offers every breast examination, so it is worth checking before you book. Addresses, opening hours and parking are on our clinic locations page.

Mammography and breast ultrasound

Breast biopsy and localisation

Breast MRI

Breast imaging questions

Do I need a referral for breast imaging?

Yes. Diagnostic breast imaging is performed on referral from a doctor, specialist or other eligible health practitioner. If you are looking for screening without a referral, that is BreastScreen SA.

I have breast implants. Can I still have a mammogram?

Yes. All our mammographers are trained to perform mammograms for patients with breast implants, at every clinic that offers mammography.

If you have breast implants, please let us know at the time of booking.

I am pregnant or breastfeeding. What should I do?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, ultrasound is the examination we use.

Tell us when you book. Your referring doctor can advise what is appropriate in your circumstances, and we will confirm the arrangements with you before the examination goes ahead.

Can Jones Radiology provide further imaging if I’ve been recalled by BreastScreen SA?

Yes. This is a good option for regional patients who don’t want to travel to Adelaide, or for anyone who’d prefer not to continue within the BreastScreen SA system.

What if my letter mentions dense breast tissue?

Your GP may refer you for supplemental screening, such as 3D Mammography, Ultrasound or MRI, depending on what’s most appropriate for you.

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