Equipment, technique, quality assurance, and accreditation for imaging-guided breast biopsy procedures

Needle biopsy diagnosis of breast lesions can be performed using fine needle aspiration or large core needle biopsy techniques. Imaging guidance using mammographic stereotactic devices or sonography can accurately guide biopsy probes into suspicious lesions. Choice of the biopsy probe in any individual patient will depend upon equipment availability, lesion characteristics, breast configuration, and cost considerations. Quality control and quality assurance programs should be instituted to maintain a high level of patient care. Facilities performing these biopsies can obtain accreditation to attest to the quality of their biopsy program.