HCB News: Can you describe the learning curve for performing ABUS scans?
BFS: This is very different from the usual handheld ultrasound both in terms of technologist technique and radiologist training. Our technologists each spent three full days learning the system and scanning 15 volunteers. 

The radiologists have to have at least eight hours of training, which was provided by GE and included self-paced video sessions and a five hour real-time online training course with hands-on case review. Despite all of the training, it will take many cases to become comfortable with the appearance of lesions and normal tissue on these scans. 

Unlike traditional ultrasound, we are presented with a coronal image of the breast. This can only be obtained with a 3D system like ABUS and is not something we are used to seeing.

This view, however, shows distortion and other significant features that are simply not seen on the axial images. The greatest "risk" of ABUS is its relative lack of specificity, which can lead to higher recall and biopsy rates, especially during the early phases of the learning curve.

HCB News: Does your facility provide any other secondary breast imaging? If so, what factors determine the best secondary scan for different patients?
BFS: We offer contrast-enhanced mammography in our office as well as MR interpretation for scans done at the local hospital. However, neither of these functional imaging tools is appropriate to use for screening average risk women.

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