When you arrive at a breast screen clinic, you will be asked to confirm your name, date of birth and address. This is so we know we are screening the right person, and is an identification policy requirement of SA Health.

A female radiographer will then show you to a private change room where you will be asked to undress from the waist up. You can wear your shirt or cardigan over your shoulders, or you can ask us for a disposable gown to wear during your appointment.

When you are ready, the radiographer will show you into the X-ray room. She will explain the procedure to you and you can ask her any questions. She will then move you into a comfortable position on the X-ray machine. The machine will press firmly on your breast for 10 to 15 seconds to take an image. There are a minimum of 2 images per breast. This brief compression may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. You can stop the procedure at any time.

Once your images are taken, you can get dressed and your appointment will be finished.

Your images are not ‘read’ at the time of your appointment; the radiographer will check them for image quality, before they are sent to our State Coordination Unit in Adelaide where they will be examined by at least 2 specialist radiologists who will determine your result.

If you have any questions or feedback about your breast screen appointment, call BreastScreen SA on 13 20 50 or email HelloBSSA@sa.gov.au.