GE Healthcare
Senographe DS Acquisition System
Revision 1
Operator Manual 5307907-3-S-1EN
Safety Recommendations
1-safety.fm
Page no. 15
Chapter 1
6
Before starting an exam
Check the system:
•
Check that the compression paddle and the Bucky (grid) or magnification stand, are all well inserted
in their supports, and are being used as recommended. Be sure that the breast support is locked (not
only inserted).
•
No modifications to system hardware or software may be made without prior approval from GEMS.
GEMS cannot guarantee the integrity of the system if this recommendation is not followed.
•
No application programs of any sort may be loaded onto the system computer without prior approval
from GEMS. GEMS cannot guarantee the integrity of the system if this recommendation is not fol-
lowed.
•
Only accessories and components supplied by or specifically recommended by GEMS may be used
with the system. GEMS cannot guarantee the integrity of the system if this recommendation is not fol-
lowed.
•
Only Senographe DS compression paddles may be used with the system. Use of other paddles may
adversely affect image quality by causing inaccurate measurements of breast thickness.
•
All accessories should be checked regularly to ensure that they have no sharp edges or corners
which might cut, pinch, or otherwise hurt a patient.
•
Check the integrity of the covers on the Compression Arm, Column and Control Station. If any of
these covers is damaged or detached, contact your GEMS Service representative to have it
replaced.
Check the patient:
Before beginning the mammogram, observe the following points:
•
Before positioning the patient, make a visual assessment of the breast area, and note anything which
may affect or be adversely affected by the correct positioning of the breast for the mammogram, for
example, warts, scarring, or skin which is not intact. In patients with large breasts, perspiration under
the breast can cause the skin to soften, and become paper-thin.
To position the breast properly for a mammogram in the CC position, it is essential that the breast is
lifted away from the chest wall and gently pulled forward, in order to visualize the maximum amount
of breast tissue. Such pulling and lifting is necessary for correct positioning, but can cause damaged
skin to tear slightly, and may cause bleeding.
If any condition exists which may cause unusual discomfort or tearing of the skin, the patient should
be told of the importance of correct positioning, and should be warned in advance of the possibility
that minor tearing and /or slight bleeding might occur.
•
Use suitable techniques for the positioning of patients with breast implants.
•
It is normal that the front part of the breast support is warm to the touch, as it contains electronic com-
ponents which generate heat. However, the temperature is never high enough to be harmful.
To ensure that examinations are carried out under optimum conditions, any unusual rise in tempera-
ture causes a warning message to be displayed on the monitor screen, forbidding examinations. Any
further rise causes the detector system to be automatically shut down.
•
GEMS can take no responsibility for injury to the patient caused by the use of heating or warming
devices external to the system.
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