Also called: Breast ultrasound machine, Breast imaging, ABUS
Breast Ultrasound Machine: What a Breast Clinic Needs
Breast ultrasound is high-frequency, detail-heavy work that also guides biopsies. The equipment a breast clinic or imaging centre should look for.
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Where breast ultrasound fits
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Malaysia. Mammography remains the main screening test; ultrasound complements it rather than replacing it.
Lumps and symptoms
Often the first test for a breast lump in younger women, and used alongside mammography in older women.
Dense breasts
Supplementary imaging where dense tissue lowers the sensitivity of mammography, according to local screening policy.
Cyst or solid
Telling simple cysts from solid masses, and assessing the axillary lymph nodes.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Usually the first imaging test, because it uses no ionising radiation.
Biopsy guidance
Real-time guidance for core needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, cyst drainage and marker placement.
Probe and imaging checklist
- A high-frequency linear probe — many breast probes reach well into the teens of MHz — with a footprint wide enough to cover the breast efficiently.
- Fine near-field detail and contrast resolution, judged on real patients with small lesions.
- Colour and power Doppler sensitive to slow flow in small vessels.
- Elastography as an adjunct for characterising masses.
- Compound imaging and speckle reduction that can be switched off when they hide shadowing.
- Body markers and clock-face annotation with distance from the nipple, for accurate lesion location.
Handheld scanning or automated breast ultrasound (ABUS)?
Automated breast ultrasound uses a wide transducer on a mechanical arm to sweep the whole breast and store 3D volumes for later review. GE’s Invenia ABUS is the best-known example; other makers offer automated breast volume scanners too.
| Handheld breast ultrasound | Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The operator scans and records findings in real time | The system sweeps the breast and stores 3D volumes for review |
| Strengths | Targeted and flexible; guides biopsy | Standardised, reproducible whole-breast coverage; acquisition can be delegated |
| Limits | Operator-dependent; slow for whole-breast screening | A dedicated system; findings still need handheld review and biopsy guidance |
| Typical buyers | Breast clinics, surgeons, imaging centres | Screening services and larger imaging centres |
Reporting with BI-RADS
Most breast ultrasound reports use the American College of Radiology’s BI-RADS lexicon and assessment categories, so findings are described the same way across ultrasound, mammography and MRI. A breast package with BI-RADS terms, lesion tables, body markers and comparison with previous studies saves time and keeps reports consistent.
Read next DICOM, PACS and connectivity
Biopsy and procedures
- Needle visualisation or enhancement modes for steep needle angles.
- Biopsy guide brackets if the operator prefers them — many breast biopsies are done freehand.
- Sterile probe covers and sterile gel for procedures, and a disinfection routine for the probe afterwards.
- Room space for the biopsy trolley, an assistant and specimen handling.
- Image and clip storage that documents needle position for the record.
Related guides
Ultrasound Machine supply near you
Delivery, installation and training across Malaysia from Batu Caves, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Frequently asked questions
Can breast ultrasound replace a mammogram?
Which probe is used for breast ultrasound?
What is ABUS?
What is BI-RADS in a breast ultrasound report?
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