• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Essentials

Unlock Expertise in Stereotactic Breast Biopsy

Advance your skills in diagnostic and interventional breast imaging with this comprehensive 4-hour CE course. Designed for technologists, nurses, and healthcare professionals, this session provides a detailed roadmap for performing safe, accurate stereotactic procedures while maintaining strict quality control standards.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Foundational Knowledge: A review of gross anatomy, breast density categories, and the clinical implications of mammographic calcifications.

  • Interventional Techniques: In-depth instruction on core biopsy principles, the stereotactic coordinate system, and precise needle positioning.

  • Technology & Roles: Comparisons of prone vs. upright equipment and a breakdown of the specific roles of the radiologist, mammographer, and physicist.

  • Accreditation & QC Mastery: A practical guide to the ACR checklist, documentation requirements, and addressing QC violations to ensure facility compliance.

About the Instructor: Michelle Keck, BSRT, RT(R)(M)(BS), BHCN, brings over a decade of hands-on experience in screening, diagnostic mammography, and stereotactic biopsies. As a dedicated advocate for breast health excellence, Michelle provides real-world case studies and practical insights to help you conquer every scan with precision.

Credits: 4 Category A CE Credits

 

*All online courses are held in Central Standard Time and hosted through Zoom.


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Breast Anatomy

  • Gross Anatomy of the Breast 

  • Categories of Breast Density 

  • Calcifications on a Mammogram 

  • Overview of Common Breast Conditions (DCIS, IDC, ILC, IBC) 

Principles of Stereotactic Biopsy

  • Definition of a Core Biopsy 

  • Key Principles of Stereotactic Biopsy 

  • Understanding the Coordinate System 

  • Needle Positioning Techniques 

Stereotactic Biopsy 

  • Definition of "Stereo" in the Context of Biopsy 

  • Indications for Stereotactic Breast Biopsy 

  • Pros and Cons of the Procedure 

  • Comparison of Prone vs. Upright Machines 

  • Typical Outcomes of the Procedure 

Roles and Responsibilities in a Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Procedure 

  • Role of the Radiologist 

  • Role of the Mammographer 

  • Role of the Nurse 

  • Role of the Patient 

  • Role of the Physicist 

  • Role of the Referring Physician 

Biopsy Equipment

  • Overview of Equipment Types 

  • Prone vs. Upright Equipment Considerations 

  • Types of Machines 

  • Affirm Prone 

  • Affirm Upright 

  • Pristina Upright 

  • Biopsy Devices 

  • Mammotome Revolve 

  • Brevera 

  • ATEC Sapphire 

  • Eviva Needle 

  • Patient Positioning for Prone Review 

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Accreditation and Quality Control (QC)

  • Overview of Stereo Accreditation Requirements 

  • ACR Checklist 

  • Medical Physicist Survey Criteria 

  • Technologists’ Requirements 

  • Radiologist Requirements 

  • QC Checklist 

  • Case Studies for Review 

Importance of Quality Control (QC)  

  • Importance of Proper Documentation 

  • Organizing the QC Book 

  • Addressing Violations 

  • Enforcement and Sanctions 

  • Goals of QC 

Objectives: 

  • Identify the gross anatomy of the breast and its structural components. 

  • Explain the categories of breast density and their relevance in imaging. 

  • Recognize calcifications on a mammogram and their clinical implications. 

  • Describe common breast conditions, including DCIS, IDC, ILC, and IBC. 

  • Define what a core biopsy is and understand its purpose in breast diagnostics. 

  • Discuss the principles and techniques of stereotactic biopsy. 

  • Understand the role of the coordinate system in biopsy procedures. 

  • Demonstrate accurate needle positioning techniques in stereotactic biopsies. 

  • Define "stereo" and understand its application in breast biopsy. 

  • Identify the primary indications for a stereotactic breast biopsy. 

  • Evaluate the pros and cons of the stereotactic biopsy procedure. 

  • Compare the use of prone versus upright machines in biopsy procedures. 

  • Analyze expected outcomes of stereotactic breast biopsy. 

  • Define the roles of each team member involved in a stereotactic breast biopsy procedure. 

  • List different types of biopsy equipment and their applications. 

  • Identify specific biopsy machines and devices 

  • Demonstrate proper patient positioning for prone biopsy procedures. 

  • Understand the stereo accreditation requirements and ACR checklist. 

  • Outline the survey criteria required for medical physicists. 

  • Emphasize the need for thorough documentation in QC. 

  • Recognize common violations and understand enforcement measures and sanctions. 

  • Define the primary goals of QC in ensuring safe and accurate procedures. 

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This program provides AHRA Category A continuing education credit for radiologic technologists recognized by the ARRT and various licensure states. You must attend the entire program to receive your certificate of completion.

This live, instructor-directed course meets the Texas Medical Board requirements for all registered Medical Radiologic Technologists. Please refer to the TMB website for more information.
Michelle Keck , BSRT, RT(R)(M)(BS)(ARRT), BHCN

Michelle Keck, BSRT, RT(R)(M)(BS), BHCN, is a registered mammographer and registered sonographer at Freeman Health System Willow Creek Breast Imaging. She performs screening and diagnostic mammograms, stereotactic breast biopsies, breast ultrasound, and ultrasound-guided biopsies.rnrnPrior to her current role, Michelle worked as a special imaging technologist for 14 years at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, where she gained experience in CT, the operating room, mammography, and diagnostic imaging. She then spent 11 years at The Breast Center of Northwest Arkansas, specializing in mammography and stereotactic breast biopsies. Michelle also completed a six-month travel mammography assignment with AMN Healthcare in Eugene, Oregon.rnrnMichelle attended Northwest Arkansas Community College and earned her bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.rnrnA dedicated advocate for breast cancer awareness, Michelle served as a team captain and co-captain for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in her area for more than six years. She has also been an active member of the Arkansas Society of Radiologic Technologists (ArSRT), serving two terms as Member-at-Large and one term as Vice President. At the national level, Michelle represented Arkansas in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) House of Delegates for three terms. Most recently, she was elected as the ASRT Mammography Chapter Delegate for 2026–2027 and Vice Chair for 2027–2028.rnrnMichelle has also volunteered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as a member of the Breast Sonography Practice Analysis Committee and currently serves on the ASRT Practice Standards Council Mammography Subcommittee.rnrnPassionate about education, Michelle is the instructor for the 40-hour Mammography Initial Training course at Advanced Health Education Center (AHEC) in Houston, Texas. She has authored continuing education courses for both AHEC and the ASRT and has lectured multiple times at the Arkansas state society's annual conference.rnrnMichelle's commitment to excellence in mammography extends beyond the clinical setting. Through fundraising, research, and education, she is dedicated to advancing breast cancer detection and improving early diagnosis for patients everywhere.rn
Category Hours Revision Year(s)
Breast Sonography > Procedures > Anatomical Layers and Breast Tissues .25 2026
Breast Sonography > Procedures > Anatomy and Physiology .25 2018, 2021
Mammography > Image Production > Image Acquisition and Quality Assurance .75 2020, 2025
Mammography > Procedures > Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology .50 2020, 2025
Mammography > Procedures > Mammographic Positioning and Procedures 2.75 2025
Mammography > Procedures > Mammographic, Positioning, Special Needs, and Imaging Procedures 2.75 2020
MRI > Procedures > Body .25 2020, 2025
Nuclear Medicine > Procedures > Endocrine and Oncology Procedures .25 2017, 2022
Physical Therapy > Procedures > Treatment Sites .25 2019
Radiology Assistant > Procedures > Thoracic Section 1.00 2018, 2023
Sonography > Procedures > Superficial Structures and Other Sonographic Procedures .25 2019, 2024
Therapy > Procedures > Treatment Sites and Tumors .25 2017, 2022

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Essentials

  • Course ID: StereoBio2025-113
  • Event Location: Online Course
  • Credit: 4 Category A Credit Hours (Direct)
  • Date: 10/29/2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Instructor: Michelle Keck , BSRT, RT(R)(M)(BS)(ARRT), BHCN
  • $59.80
  • $39.80