M11.2019 Obtain radiographic images of breast specimens

Overview

This standard is about obtaining radiographic images of breast specimens. Breast specimens may be from a diagnostic investigation or those from an operative procedure. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 2

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role, the role of others in your organisation and the activities being carried out
2. the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies and procedures that are available and how and when they should be accessed
3. the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the importance of operating within your scope of practice
4. the roles and responsibilities of other team members
5. the purpose of the breast diagnostic and screening services
6. the quality assurance programmes in symptomatic, assessment and breast screening services
7. procedures for the safe handling of specimens and body tissues
8. the different types of container and transport media in common use and their suitability for each type of specimen
9. the different types of markers used to orientate specimens
10. the functions, specifications and performance characteristics of radiographic equipment used to image specimens
11. the functions, specifications and performance characteristics of the local image handling devices
12. where and how to access previous records and images and how to add further information
13. the features of mammographic equipment and the imaging process
14. the importance of reporting faults and malfunctions promptly and the correct procedures for reporting these
15. the types of legends available in the unit and on the equipment and an understanding of the importance of complying with the local protocols for their use
16. the importance of maintaining clean radiographic equipment and following local protocols for infection control
17. the local procedures for checking radiographic equipment and image handling devices and an understanding of the importance of undertaking these on a regular basis and taking appropriate action where necessary
18. basic radiation physics and x-ray imaging
19. the causes of artefacts on images and the importance of avoiding them
20. the factors which influence the exposure setting
21. the result reporting procedures and the importance of giving timely and accurate information to the referrer
22. the radiographic standards for the production of the optimum diagnostic image
23. the importance of accurate labelling according to local protocols
24. the correct display of images and the environmental conditions required
25. the potential consequences of contamination of the clinical specimen
26. specimen identification and traceability
27. the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the breast, axilla, subcutaneous tissues and associated structures
28. the pathophysiology of breast disease
29. the importance of effective communication within the multi-disciplinary team and with individuals
30. the information which should be recorded in relation to clinical specimens
31. the importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own scope of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff
32. procedures relating to recording, collating and preparing appropriate information, documentation and images for transfer or storage according to local protocols
33. how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with organisational procedures

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection control and other appropriate health and safety measures
2. ensure that the radiographic equipment is safe and ready for use
3. check the specimen identification details and use the information to identify the appropriate images required for the imaging procedure in consultation with relevant professionals and following local protocols
4. select and use accessory mammography equipment to aid positioning appropriate specimen images
5. handle the specimen safely and according to the locally agreed procedures
6. orientate the specimen according to local protocols
7. make sure the images are checked for diagnostic quality and a decision made to repeat the imaging where necessary
8. label images correctly and permanently before image processing or storage
9. follow the appropriate reporting procedure
10. clean the equipment after use applying standard precautions according to local protocols
11. record information regarding the specimen according to local protocols
12. take the necessary actions to make sure the specimen is safely transported according to local protocols
13. ensure contaminated areas are dealt with according to standard precautions for infection prevention and control

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB8 Biomedical investigation and intervention