Contrast-guided biopsies bridge this critical gap, allowing healthcare teams to target and sample contrast-enhancing lesions directly on the mammography system, without the delays, high costs, or scheduling bottlenecks of alternative imaging.

From Detection to Diagnosis: How It Works

Traditionally, if an abnormality was visible only via contrast enhancement (like on a breast MRI or CEM) but couldn’t be located on ultrasound or standard 2D mammography, biopsy options were limited. Patients often had to wait for expensive MRI-guided biopsy slots or undergo complex correlation attempts.

Contrast-guided biopsy simplifies this pathway into a smooth, step-by-step process:

1. Targeted Enhancement: An intravenous iodinated contrast agent highlights areas of rapid blood vessel growth, a hallmark of early-stage tumours and active lesions.
2. Dual-Energy Imaging: Dual-energy X-ray images are captured and processed instantly. The imaging software subtracts dense tissue background clutter, leaving a clear, high-contrast visual of the suspicious area.
3. Precision Sampling: Using precise coordinate targeting, a vacuum-assisted biopsy needle is guided straight to the lesion for swift tissue sampling.

The entire procedure can be completed in 15 to 20 minutes, compared to 45 minutes or longer for an MRI-guided alternative. For patients, this means less time in compression, a comfortable seated position, and significantly less anxiety.

The Diagnostic Foundation: I-View Contrast-Enhanced Imaging

Before a targeted contrast biopsy can take place, clinicians need a fast, reliable way to identify vascular abnormalities. This is where I-View Contrast-Enhanced Imaging from Hologic plays a vital role.

Working seamlessly on Hologic 3D Mammography systems, I-View software combines functional contrast imaging with traditional mammography in a single, short exam. By subtracting background dense tissue clutter, I-View allows clinical teams to spot subtle, hyper-vascularised lesions that might otherwise remain hidden on 2D mammograms or ultrasound, delivering diagnostic sensitivity comparable to breast MRI right within the mammography suite.

Unlocking a Seamless Workflow: Affirm Contrast Biopsy Software

When an abnormality is discovered using I-View CEM, having a direct pathway to sampling is essential. To help clinics and trusts deliver this complete continuum of care, Hospital Services Limited (HSL) is proud to supply the Affirm® Contrast Biopsy Software alongside I-View for Hologic systems.

By integrating directly with Hologic 3D Mammography gantries, the Affirm Contrast Biopsy Software transforms diagnostic units into fully equipped interventional suites.

Clinical teams choose Affirm Contrast because it allows them to confidently target subtle, vascular-only lesions that standard 2D mammography, tomosynthesis, or ultrasound frequently miss. By enabling a seamless transition from diagnostic imaging to targeted biopsy within the exact same clinical visit, it significantly shortens the patient journey from initial discovery to a clear treatment plan. Additionally, bringing contrast biopsy directly into the mammography department alleviates the heavy strain on overbooked MRI suites, while fast image acquisition keeps compression times to a minimum and maintains exceptionally stable target positioning for maximum patient comfort.

Elevating Patient Outcomes with HSL

As Contrast-Enhanced Mammography rapidly expands across healthcare institutions, having an integrated route from initial screening (I-View) to histological diagnosis (Affirm Contrast) is essential. Together, these technologies ensure that every enhancement identified can be evaluated and sampled promptly, giving clinicians clarity and patients fast, reliable answers.

To learn more about incorporating I-View Contrast-Enhanced Imaging and the Affirm Contrast Biopsy Software into your facility’s imaging suite, get in touch with the HSL team today.

The post Advancing Precision Diagnostics: Understanding Contrast-Guided Breast Biopsies appeared first on HSL IE.

• Hologic Horizon W
• Shimadzu Radspeed Fit

Key benefits:

• Early Detection and prevention
• Accurate Diagnosis
• Efficiency and Rapid results
• Improved Patient Services

Context

One of the hallmark features of the new health hub is the introduction of the DEXA Scanning & X-ray Service, marking a regional first for Newry. Dexa, a bone density scanner, plays a pivotal role in identifying and assessing the risk of osteoporosis, thereby enabling early intervention to prevent fractures. This service is particularly pertinent for demographics such as smokers, individuals over 50 years old, and postmenopausal women, where osteoporosis risk is heightened.

Challenge

Finding a single supplier who could provide both the DEXA and floor-mounted X-Ray systems for the trust, made more difficult by the constraint of converting an existing building, which imposed limitations on the size of the equipment. It was crucial for the equipment to fit within the available space and still be fully functional after installation.

The compact footprint of the Radspeed fit system proved to be highly advantageous. Its small size made it an ideal fit for the limited space available, overcoming the size constraint while ensuring that the trust’s imaging needs were met effectively.

Solution

HSL has introduced advanced diagnostic services, including Dexa Scanning for osteoporosis risk assessment and X-ray imaging, in the new healthcare facility in Newry City. The solution prioritizes patient education and engagement, empowering individuals to take proactive steps towards their health.

Results

“As the proprietor of Mourne Scan Clinic, collaborating with HSL on our patient-centric facility was truly gratifying. Our cutting-edge X-ray and Dexa systems, equipped with advanced AI-supported software, redefine the patient experience. Referrals are required for both services, yet our ‘one-stop’ approach ensures seamless resolution for those without. Offering same-day appointments alongside our unique walk-in service, we streamline the process. For Dexa, referral, approval, and scan are all managed upon arrival, with radiology reports available within 5 days. Similarly, for X-ray, the entire process is expedited, with reports ready within 1 hour. We handle the logistics while our patients unwind in our newly renovated healthcare haven.” Lisa Hughes Owner of Mourne Scan Clinic.

The post Enhancing Healthcare Services: A Case Study of HSL’s Installation at the New Private Health Hub in Newry City appeared first on HSL IE.

In the photo from left to right

Annmarie OToole (Clinical Specialist PCC -generals)

Frances Livingstone (Clinical Specialist in Mammography)

Laura Shaughnessy (Senior Radiographer)

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