This is a research study to test a FDA-approved automated breast ultrasound (ABVS) machine in subjects recommended for an ultrasound of the breast. The main purpose of the study is to compare images obtained from the automated breast ultrasound exam with the standard physician performed handheld breast ultrasound exam for lesion detection equivalence.
Each subject will have a bilateral hand-held breast ultrasound and a bilateral automated breast ultrasound, both exams preferably done on the same day. The hand-held ultrasound will be performed by a breast imaging physician participating in the study and the automated ultrasound exam will be performed by a sonographer.
There is no radiation risk from ultrasound. The physician performing the handheld breast ultrasound is blinded to the study, will not know the subject's history, but only the reason for the breast ultrasound exam.
The automated scan requires gentle pressure on the breast during a scan. Three basic views will be acquired for each breast, each scan lasting approximately one minute. Once all necessary views are acquired, the images will be sent to a remote workstation, where a second radiologist, also blinded to the results of the handheld study, will interpret the automated ultrasound.
Once all images and patient information are gathered, the study radiologists will review the previous images, if available, to provide the final result that will determine clinical management. Therefore, it is possible that the hand-held or automated ultrasound scan will lead to further evaluation of the breast and possibly a biopsy.
