Do I Need to Prepare for My Mammogram?
If you’ve never had a mammogram, you may be worried about what steps you should take to prepare for your test. You may be worried about what information to bring, what to wear or what to expect during your exam. The truth is that mammogram prep is quite simple, but there are some steps you can take to ensure your test goes off without a hitch.
The following are four simple steps you can follow to make your mammogram prep a breeze:
1) Choose a Certified Facility: When scheduling your mammogram, make sure the facility you choose is accredited by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By following this mammogram prep, you’ll know that the facility meets the highest standards for equipment, technicians, and radiologists. In addition to the FDA, PURE Mammography is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which ensures that all equipment is inspected and that technicians are fully trained in their fields.
2) Bring Any Prior Mammogram Images With You: If you’ve never had a mammogram before, that’s OK. No appointment or referral is required at PURE Mammography. However, if you do have prior mammograms from a different facility, ask them to record the images onto a CD, and take them with you to your next exam. This easy mammogram prep will assist the radiologists at PURE in comparing your new test images against older scans to mark any noticeable changes.
3) Say No to Powders and Perfumes: An easy mammogram prep rule to remember is not to wear antiperspirant, deodorant, powders, creams or lotions under your arms or on your breasts the day of your scan. These substances sometimes contain metallic particles that will show up on your mammogram and make it harder to interpret the results. If you forget, however, most facilities have wet wipes available to remove any of these substances before you get your mammogram.
4) Schedule Your Scan at Right Time of Your Cycle: Make your mammogram experience more comfortable by scheduling your scan at a time when your breasts are the least tender. In the course of a menstrual cycle, that is usually the first week after the end of your period. Breast tenderness peaks the week before and the week of your period. If you can’t avoid scheduling your mammogram for this time, consider taking a dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen an hour before your scan to lessen the chance of discomfort.
Where Can I Schedule a Mammogram on Long Island?
Now that you know how simple mammogram prep is, stop by PURE Mammography for your yearly mammogram today. At PURE, we don’t require an appointment, and we are conveniently located inside the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove so that you can quickly stop in for a scan after a shopping trip.
At PURE, we offer a relaxing and comfortable experience for our patients. You’ll be treated to a soft robe, soothing music and refreshments while you wait for your mammogram and have a choice of comforting settings during your exam, such as a garden, rainforest or beach setting. All of this is made possible by our state of the art video and surround sound system.
Stop by PURE Mammography today, call us at 631-652-3424, or visit our website to make an appointment and find out why we are the best mammogram facility for you.