BSGI at ZP
Zwanger-Pesiri specializes in proactive breast health care by using state-of-the-art technology. We are now proud to offer BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Imaging),
a new and specialized breast imaging technique that incorporates nuclear medicine with breast imaging to detect breast abnormalities.
ZP is the only radiology center in the USA to offer both BSGI and PEM at the same facility. We are proud to have one out of the four BSGI units and one out of the two PEM units on all of Long Island.
What is BSGI?
BSGI stands for Breast Specific Gamma Imaging. A BSGI is a nuclear medicine test that records images of the breast at the cellular or molecular level. This test records the functioning of the breast tissue, rather than the anatomy of the tissue.
Special breast-optimized cameras are used to record the best possible images of the cells in the breast. This imaging technique can detect very small areas of cancer, as well as assist doctors in distinguishing between benign and malignant tissue. It is especially useful for the evaluation of women with dense breasts or who are at high risk.
This test is not intended to replace standard screening mammograms, but serves as a valuable "next step" following a mammogram and ultrasound that reveals an area of concern. BSGI is used to evaluate breast tissue that is very dense, multiple suspicious areas, something that can be felt but not seen on ultrasound or mammography, breast implants or a diagnosed breast cancer.
How does BSGI work?
BSGI is performed on a machine similar to that used for a mammography, but without any compression of the breast.
A pharmaceutical tracing agent is injected into your body and is given time to be absorbed by the cells. A specially developed camera records images of the breast. Cancer cells or abnormal cells tend to have an increased rate of metabolic activity and will absorb more of the tracing agent than normal, healthy cells. Since the areas of abnormal tissue will have absorbed more of the tracing agent, they will appear as dark spots on the images.
How do I prepare for a BSGI scan?
When scheduling your appointment (online or by phone), provide us with your email address and we will send you personalized forms with your information already filled in.
You will only have to update or add any missing information. If your email address is not provided, you can still save time by downloading the BSGI forms and completing them prior to arriving at the office.
Wear shorts, pants or a skirt so you will only have to remove your bra and top. A gown will be provided.
Bring with you to the appointment:
- Prescription from your doctor.
- Current insurance card.
- Authorization number from your insurance carrier.
- Any forms you completed at home.
- Credit card or cash for your insurance co-pay.
- Any breast imaging studies from another facility. We like to compare the new BSGI scan with any previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
- Picture identification.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.
What happens during a BSGI scan?
You will remove your bra and top, and a gown will be provided. The technologist will review your medical history with you.
The pharmaceutical tracing agent (radiotracer) is
then administered through an I.V.
You will be brought to a quiet area to rest for about 20 minutes to allow the radiotracer to circulate through your body and be absorbed by the cells. The radiotracer is taken up by both normal and abnormal tissue, according to their metabolic rate.
You will then be brought into the BSGI room and will sit in a comfortable chair. The plates of the BSGI machine will be positioned to capture images of your breast without any compression and the scanning will begin.
Increase your fluid intake for the next 24 hours to help flush the tracer out of your system.
The entire scan takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how many views are being taken.
What will I do when I arrive?
Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.
Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:
- Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breast feeding.
- Have any breast imaging studies from another facility. We like to compare the new BSGI scan with previous studies to assist in the diagnostic process.
When can I expect the results?
One of our board certified nuclear medicine radiologists interprets your BSGI images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed.
The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor within two or three days.
Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you.
All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor on our physician’s web portal.
