ABUS examination time: An observational study of operators' experience

Objective: In this study we aimed to evaluate the operation times of ABUS by technologists during the learning time course and share the learning experience.

Materials and method: The first consequent 400 examinations after the installation of an ABUS unit in the breast clinic between August 2017 and December 2017 were included. Total examination time was measured for each procedure. The initial and final examination times during the learning period were compared. Data were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney Test.

Results: The acquisition times for routine six position examination ranged between eight and 36 minutes with an average of 13.2 ± 3.58 min. The examination time for the eight position examination ranged between 18 and 32 min, with an average of 22.9 ± 3.93 min. The overall average examination time was 13.3 ± 3.98 min. There was a significant difference (p = 0.00) between the average initial and final examination times of the learning period with an average decrease of 10.6 min.

Conclusion: The average time of an ABUS examination for an average breast is less than 15 min. ABUS examination time reduced as technologists became familiar with the sonographic anatomy of the breast and experienced in positioning technique during the learning curve.