What is MammoPad and how does it work?
How much more comfort can I expect with MammoPad?
Do women really experience discomfort during mammography?
How does a woman's anxiety about mammography affect the mammogram and how can MammoPad help?
How can I get MammoPad for my next mammogram?
Is MammoPad cleared by the FDA?

Healthcare Professionals

Can MammoPad be used on any mammography machine?
Can MammoPad be reused?
Is MammoPad recyclable or bio-degradable?
How does MammoPad affect overall image quality?
How can MammoPad help technologists with compression?
How does MammoPad help positioning?
Will MammoPad interfere with imaging of the chest wall?
How does MammoPad affect imaging of the inframammary fold?
Are there reasons to use MammoPad for patients who don't complain about pain?
Does MammoPad need to be included when performing phantom and dose QC tests?

Women

What is MammoPad and how does it work?

MammoPad is a soft, warm, single-use foam cushion. It is placed between the patient and the surface of the mammography device, resulting in a softer, more comfortable mammogram. The radiolucent foam is invisible to x-rays.

How much more comfort can I expect with MammoPad?

Clinical studies in the U.S. and Sweden show three out of four women experience an average 50% decrease in discomfort.

Do women really experience discomfort during mammography?

Numerous studies show that many women experience discomfort during mammography. In fact, the largest known study on the subject found that 52% of women said they experienced moderate to extreme discomfort during mammography.

How does a woman's anxiety about mammography affect the mammogram and how can MammoPad help?

A patient who is anxious about her mammogram may find it more difficult to relax her muscles during the exam. This makes it harder for the technologist to properly position the breast and achieve adequate compression. The reduction of discomfort found with MammoPad helps women relax, assisting with proper positioning and sufficient compression - the key components of a good mammogram.

How can I get MammoPad for my next mammogram?

Due to FDA regulations, MammoPad can only be obtained at your mammography center. Call your mammography center to see if they offer MammoPad.

Is MammoPad cleared by the FDA?

Yes, MammoPad received its 510(K) clearance on February 14, 2001.

Healthcare Professionals

Can MammoPad be used on any mammography machine?

Yes. It can be used on any mammography machine, including full-field digital machines. MammoPad does not interfere with the machine or its function in any way.

Can MammoPad be reused?

No. MammoPad is a single-use cushion, designed to provide a clean surface for each woman.

Is MammoPad recyclable or bio-degradable?

The foam used to manufacture MammoPad is bio-stable and recyclable. Contact Hologic for more information on our recycling program.

How does MammoPad affect overall image quality?

MammoPad can be used with confidence on both digital and analog mammography equipment. Clinical studies have shown that MammoPad does not interfere with image quality. These findings have been consistently confirmed through the broad experience of radiologists, physicists and technologists. MammoPad has been used in more than 30 million images since its market introduction in 2001.

How can MammoPad help technologists with compression?

MammoPad can actually help technologists achieve greater compression while reducing women's discomfort by half. In a clinical study conducted with more than 500 patients, technologists achieved an average of 13-15% greater compression.

How does MammoPad help positioning?

MammoPad's grip-like surface helps to immobilize the breast, making proper breast positioning easier. In addition, a recent study found that MammoPad, when used in conjunction with positioning training, actually helps technologists achieve greater tissue acquisition.

Will MammoPad interfere with imaging of the chest wall?

No. In fact, many technologists find that MammoPad makes it easier to image the chest wall. MammoPad cushions patients' ribs, allowing them to lean further into the machine. Also, MammoPad provides warmth against their chests, helping their muscles to relax.

How does MammoPad affect imaging of the inframammary fold?

Technologists often report that MammoPad makes imaging the inframammary fold easier. The cushion removes pressure from the patients' ribs and chest muscles, making them less likely to pull away from the machine.

Are there reasons to use MammoPad for patients who don't complain about pain?

Yes. Women may not report their pain but still feel discomfort because of the cold, hard surface edges of the mammography machine. Without MammoPad, they may have trouble leaning in or relaxing their muscles. In addition, MammoPad's grip-like surface holds the breast in place for optimal positioning of all patients, resulting in the best possible exam regardless of discomfort. Finally, using MammoPad shows your patients you care about their mammography experience and paves the way for better breast health.

Does MammoPad need to be included when performing phantom and dose QC tests?

According to the MQSA's Policy Guidance Health System, centers who use the breast cushion for a majority of their patients must include it when performing the phantom and dose QC tests in order to simulate the typical clinical conditions as closely as possible (21 CFR 900.12(e)(2))