• 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.
Category Hours Revision Year(s)
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, 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: StereoBio2025-112
  • Event Location: Online Course
  • Credit: 4 Category A Credit Hours (Direct)
  • Date: 07/27/2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • $59.80
  • $39.80