4A26
MAMMOGRAPHER

This is technical radiology work at the advanced level providing screening mammography related procedures at the various district health centers. An employee in this class reviews requests for mammography and operates radiological equipment to produce x-rays. Work includes screening patients for mammography and positioning patient’s breast for proper exposure. Contact with patients, physicians and outside institutions regarding requests for mammography and/or transfer of mammogram films, is significant to the work. Work may involve assembling and disassembling of mammogram equipment, and transporting mammography equipment to designated sites. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior and involves moderate physical effort.

• Position must review requests for mammography and operate mammogram equipment to produce patient x-rays.
• Position must develop radiographic film

Contacts patients to inform them of their mammogram appointments and may explain to patients the procedures for breast self examination instructions; sends letters to patients confirming their mammogram appointments; makes follow-up calls to confirm appointments; reschedules appointments if necessary; may prepare schedules for mammogram appointments.

Enters, transcribes, records, stores, or maintains information in written or electronic/magnetic format. Evaluates all abnormal diagnosis and follow-up required by MQSA.

Prepares darkroom: cleans, sets up, evaluates and documents image quality to assure compliance with The American Registry of Radiologic Technology and The Mammography Quality Standard Act.

Takes processing strips and phantom image prior to mammogram procedure to insure quality control and dirt free environment: prepares exam area, displays all information and educational forms and materials.

Reviews patient history/previous mammogram (if any); screens individuals by inquiring if they have used products such as deodorant, powder, lotions or perfumes that might create a calcified appearance on films; uses mammogram-wipe to remove residual from breast area if necessary.

Reviews requests for mammograms; determines the number of films needed to complete study; screens patient for x-rays; explains procedure for mammogram to patients (number of x-rays to be taken, how they should be taken, and compression necessary to obtain an optimal study); observes patient to insure safety and comfort during scan; records patient name and address, and loads information into a personal computer.

Selects proper patient breast receptor size and disinfects it in order to obtain quality view; positions patient breast for proper exposure; selects proper film size; loads film into cassette; positions imaging equipment and adjusts controls according to specification of examination.

Keys commands and specify sequences, adjusts transmitters and receivers, and operates mammogram equipment to produce x-rays; monitors video display of area being imaged and adjusts density or contrast to improve picture quality; instructs patients on what to do if they develop breast discomfort.

Reviews films and critique developed films for technical quality; forwards processed films to requesting physician or radiologist for review.

Submits mammogram films to the radiologist after development for review and analysis.

Maintains radiological equipment and supplies; cleans equipment and processor; checks processor for temperature and solution contamination; runs test on a daily basis to insure proper functioning of equipment; may diagnose equipment malfunction; documents dark room image quality to assure compliance to standards.

Completes patient and health insurance encounter forms; maintains log of mammogram services provided; prepares monthly reports which indicate the number of mammograms taken; orders supplies.

Performs related work as required.

Disassembles mammography equipment, removes image receptor, aperture, shield, compression plate and compression footswitch, and loads onto a custom built van.

Packs separately and safely all accessories and supplies related in order to minimize damage.

Drives mammography van to designated Health Center: unloads and re-loads the mammography equipment.

Handles, installs, positions and moves mammography equipment and materials as necessary: performs physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the principles, practices and procedures involved in mammography work.
• the materials and supplies used in mammography applications.
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in mammography procedures
• the human anatomy as it relates to anatomical structures
• the Mammography Quality Standards Act and regulations, and their implementation
SKILL IN:
• controlling operations of mammogram equipment
• monitoring control panel gauges, dials, or other indicators to make insure the mammographic unit is operating at an optimal level
• conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate image quality
• developing mammography films
ABILITY TO:
• review requests for mammograms and determine the correct size of the image receptor and the number of films needed to complete study
• screen patient for x-rays and explain procedure involved
• position patient breast for proper exposure
• prepare and maintain mammography records, files and reports
• recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong
• understand and follow oral and written instructions
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, associates and the public

EDUCATION

Completion of a two-year approved course in radiology.

AND
EXPERIENCE:

Three years of experience performing technical radiology work at the full performance level.

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Possession of certification in Mammography from the American Registry of Radiologic Technology, in addition to possession of advanced certification in Mammography from the above named association Radiology is required to operate mammogram equipment.

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Mammographer. For mobile mammography.