BIEDX Stereotactic Biopsy Training Program

Course Description:

By the end of the Stereotactic Biopsy Training Program 2025, participants will be able to:

1. Define and apply indications and contraindications for stereotactic breast biopsy — i.e., when to use stereotactic guidance versus alternative biopsy methods.

2. Understand breast imaging findings (including calcifications, densities, architectural distortions) that warrant stereotactic biopsy, including detection via tomosynthesis and standard mammography.

3. Select and manage appropriate equipment, including choosing between upright versus prone stereotactic units, appropriate needles (core / vacuum-assisted), localization devices (clips, wires), and understand the pros/cons of each setup.

4. Perform the biopsy procedure:

   • Position the patient correctly

   • Use coordinate calculation / triangulation for lesion targeting

   • Make accurate sampling (number of cores, chip positioning)

   • Handle tissue specimens properly for pathology

5. Ensure patient safety and comfort, including obtaining informed consent, local anesthesia, pain control, post‐procedure care, managing bleeding or other complications.

6. Implement quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) practices:

   • Regular equipment checks

   • Radiation safety protocols

   • Documentation and records

   • Meeting accreditation or regulatory standards (local / national / society‐based)

7. Interpret the results and integrate pathology with imaging findings; troubleshoot indeterminate or discordant results.

8. Handle challenging cases: small lesions, lesions in difficult locations, patients with dense breast tissue, patients with multiple lesions, or anatomical constraints.

9. Take part in accreditation or certification processes, where applicable: understanding requirements, maintaining competence, and meeting CME / CE credit needs.

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