Obtain radiographic images of breast specimens
Overview
This standard is about obtaining radiographic images of breast specimens. Breast specimens may be from a diagnostic investigation or those from an operative procedure. Users of this standard will need
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
apply standard precautions for infection control and other
appropriate health and safety measures
ensure that the radiographic equipment is safe and ready for use
check the specimen identification details and use the information
to identify the appropriate images required for the imaging
procedure in consultation with relevant professionals and
following local protocols
- select and use accessory mammography equipment to aid
positioning appropriate specimen images
- handle the specimen safely and according to the locally agreed
procedures
orientate the specimen according to local protocols
make sure the images are checked for diagnostic quality and a
decision made to repeat the imaging where necessary
- label images correctly and permanently before image processing
or storage
follow the appropriate reporting procedure
clean the equipment after use applying standard precautions
according to local protocols
- record information regarding the specimen according to local
protocols
- take the necessary actions to make sure the specimen is safely
transported according to local protocols
- ensure contaminated areas are dealt with according to standard
precautions for infection prevention and control
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,
the role of others in your organisation and the activities being
carried out
- the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and
procedures that are available and how and when they should be
accessed
- the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the
importance of operating within your scope of practice
the roles and responsibilities of other team members
the purpose of the breast diagnostic and screening services
the quality assurance programmes in symptomatic, assessment
and breast screening services
procedures for the safe handling of specimens and body tissues
the different types of container and transport media in common
use and their suitability for each type of specimen
the different types of markers used to orientate specimens
the functions, specifications and performance characteristics of
radiographic equipment used to image specimens
- the functions, specifications and performance characteristics of
the local image handling devices
- where and how to access previous records and images and how
to add further information
- the features of mammographic equipment and the imaging
process
- the importance of reporting faults and malfunctions promptly and
the correct procedures for reporting these
- the types of legends available in the unit and on the equipment
and an understanding of the importance of complying with the
local protocols for their use
- the importance of maintaining clean radiographic equipment and
following local protocols for infection control
- the local procedures for checking radiographic equipment and
image handling devices and an understanding of the importance
of undertaking these on a regular basis and taking appropriate
action where necessary
basic radiation physics and x-ray imaging
the causes of artefacts on images and the importance of avoiding
them
the factors which influence the exposure setting
the result reporting procedures and the importance of giving
timely and accurate information to the referrer
- the radiographic standards for the production of the optimum
diagnostic image
the importance of accurate labelling according to local protocols
the correct display of images and the environmental conditions
required
- the potential consequences of contamination of the clinical
specimen
specimen identification and traceability
the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the breast, axilla,
subcutaneous tissues and associated structures
the pathophysiology of breast disease
the importance of effective communication within the multidisciplinary team and with individuals
the information which should be recorded in relation to clinical
specimens
- the importance of immediately reporting any issues which are
outside your own scope of competence without delay to the
relevant member of staff
- procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing
appropriate information, documentation and images for transfer or
storage according to local protocols
- how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with
organisational procedures
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Links To Other NOS
External Links
This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS
Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):
Dimension: HWB8 Biomedical investigation and intervention