Automated whole breast ultrasound is a FDA approved adjunct screening solution. This technology uses a robotic process that captures thousands of high-resolution images in rows that are then stitched together into a movie by software that the radiologist then reads. This powerful process allows small invasive cancers to be caught early.

•   Women with dense breast tissue.
•   Women who want their entire breast scanned.
•   Women with breast implants.
•   Pregnant or nursing women.
•   Younger women who want a detailed baseline before age 35-40.
•   Men who have concerns about breast cancer.

Breast density is a measurement used to describe the proportion of different tissues that make up your breasts. Breast density is not a measure of how your breasts look or feel, but rather how they appear on a mammogram.

Dense breast tissue is a non-modifiable risk factor for developing breast cancer and is one of the most common risk factors. Having dense breasts increases a woman's chance of developing breast cancer by four to six times, and 71% of breast cancers occur in dense breasts.

Both dense breast tissue and cancer appear white on a mammogram, creating a dangerous camouflage effect called "masking effect" and creates a dilemma for radiologists whose goal is to find breast cancer as early as possible.

Nearly 50% of all women have dense breast tissue.

74% of women in their 40's have dense breast tissue.

This percentage tends to decrease with age.

Yes, women with implants are good candidates for SonoCiné AWBUS. Evidence suggests that suspicious masses may be more difficult to detect with implants as in dense tissue, and there is no danger of damaging the implants.

Ultrasound utilizes sound waves to create the images and mammograms are done by x-ray technology. This safe screening does use compression or radiation.

Unlike a mammogram, it also scans the entire breast tissue; the axilla (armpit and lymph nodes), infraclavicular region and inter- and inframammary regions.

This ultrasound is less operator dependent and has a wider field of view. This ultrasound is standardized, automated and reproducible. It captures many more images than a technician could capture with a manual ultrasound (SonoCiné captures between 3000-5000 images) and then in specialized software converts them into a video for the radiologist to review. It also reduces human error and possible inconsistencies.

This screening is FDA approved as an adjunct to mammography. It is meant to be supplemental imaging to your yearly mammogram. Although, we do not require a mammogram to receive an ultrasound screening.

Insurance coverage depends on each site, as well as the country or state in which you live. First, when scheduling an appointment, ask what the cost of the exam is and if there is any coverage with your particular insurance company. Coverage for this procedure is relatively new, although it is a supplemental ultrasound, so call your insurance company to find out. If it is not covered, push your provider to have it done, because mammography may not be effective if you have dense breasts or implants.

Plan to be in the exam room for approximately 30 minutes. The exam itself is quick (7-10 minutes, depending on breast size), but time is needed to prepare and remove the gown and ultrasound gel at the end of the exam.

You will feel a slight pressure as the operator passes the transducer over your breasts. This is a painless procedure. SonoCiné is safe, using only simple sound waves.

SonoCiné is comfortable: no pain, no compression, no injections, no radiation.

SonoCiné AWBUS has been effective for many women. Listen to their testimonials! 

SonoCiné AWBUS has FDA 510k clearance: "The SonoCiné whole breast automated ultrasound system is indicated for use as an adjunct to mammography, but is not intended to be used as a replacement for screening mammography".

Yes. SonoCiné AWBUS is an adjunct to mammography for women whose mammograms may be inconclusive due to dense breast tissue and/or implants. Ultrasound and mammography show specific areas of interest differently and are therefore equally important. However, in patients in whom mammography is not indicated (e.g. young patients), SonoCiné AWBUS plays an important role.

The SonoCiné study can be performed without a physician referral or prior insurance approval. We will send the results to you or your primary care physician once our radiologist has read the study and completed the report.

Currently, it is not mandated by insurance to be covered in the State of Florida.

We do provide a Super Bill that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Most women have been able to get partial or full reimbursement.

The largest killer of women is breast cancer starting at age 34. We suggest starting your baseline screenings in your early 25-30's. Especially those women with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer. However, it should be remembered that 80% of breast cancers occur in women with no previous history, so screening at an early age is critical to saving lives.

Ultrasound utilizes sound waves and is radiation free.

It is the same technology used for prenatal imaging. If it is safe for your baby, it is safe for you.

Yes. A man who is concerned about breast cancer or has a genetic or family history that requires screening can receive this imaging. It is both safe and comfortable for men.

No it does not. It utilizes sound waves instead of x-ray technology. It has zero negative impact to the body.

The study is performed by ultrasound and mammography technicians trained in SonoCiné technology certified by the SonnoCiné Inc.

A licensed and highly trained breast radiologist will read your images and write the report.

The Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound will scan your whole breast including your upper chest wall, under your arms and lymph nodes. Our radiologist will read the scans. If there is anything seen on our scan that is concerning, we will do an additional diagnostic ultrasound using a hand-held ultrasound of those areas.

If after the diagnostic ultrasound our radiologist determines a biopsy is needed, we will refer you onto a breast surgeon or your primary care provider if you prefer.

Depending on the size of the breasts and using a 5 cm transducer, the typical exam time is 3 to 6 minutes per breast and approximately 30 minutes in the exam room.

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Yes, read clinical studies or contact us for more information

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