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Positioning for an Invenia ABUS Exam
• Lay the patient supine and elevate the head if needed to create a breast mound.
• Turn patients head away from the side being scanned.
• Place the patients arm above their head. If the patient has difficulty raising their arm, it may be placed
at a 90-degree angle.
• Ultrasound coupling lotion is applied to the breast in a thick, even layer creating a “white” appearance
on the skin.
• Apply lotion liberally to the entire surface of the breast, making sure there are no air bubbles trapped
around the nipple.
• Lotion should be applied to the areola and nipple in a circular motion for 3-4 rotations using the three
middle fingers to reduce the potential of air bubbles and associated nipple shadowing. Avoid using a
spoon or tongue depressor.
• Lotion is re-applied before each view to maintain coupling.
Note: Ultrasound coupling lotion reduces the incidence of air bubbles, which commonly cause artifact in
conventional ultrasound gel. Therefore, gel is not recommended.
An angled wedge sponge is used to position the patient, so the breast tissue is equally distributed
on the chest wall and the nipple is pointing up. Use of a pillow is optional.
The breast should appear:
• Equally sloped in all directions
• Without asymmetric mounding or tilting
• With the nipple pointing up to the ceiling
Ultrasound Coupling Lotion
