Top 10 Questions for Mammography Technician Interview

1. What methods do you use to ensure the quality of mammograms?

• Regularly calibrate and maintain mammography equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications
• Use quality assurance phantoms to check image quality and dose
• Participate in quality assurance programs, such as the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)
• Review mammograms with a radiologist to identify and correct any errors

2. How do you position patients for different mammographic views?

Positioning for Craniocaudal (CC) View

• Patient stands facing the machine with her feet shoulder-width apart
• The breast is placed on the compression plate and the paddle is lowered to compress the breast

Positioning for Mediolateral Oblique (MLO) View

• Patient stands at a 45-degree angle to the machine
• The breast is placed on the compression plate and the paddle is lowered to compress the breast
• The patient’s arm is raised above her head

3. What are the different types of breast density and how do they affect mammography?

• Fatty: Breast tissue is mostly composed of fat. Mammograms of fatty breasts are typically easy to read and interpret.
• Dense: Breast tissue is mostly composed of glandular and fibrous tissue. Mammograms of dense breasts can be more difficult to read and interpret, and may require additional imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI.
• Heterogeneously dense: Breast tissue is a mixture of fatty and dense tissue. Mammograms of heterogeneously dense breasts can be challenging to read and interpret.

4. How do you handle patients who are anxious or uncomfortable during a mammogram?

• Explain the procedure to the patient in a clear and concise manner
• Answer any questions the patient may have
• Provide the patient with a stress ball or other object to squeeze during the procedure
• Offer the patient a warm blanket or towel
• Reassure the patient that the procedure will be over quickly and that it is important for her health

5. What are the most common artifacts that can appear on a mammogram and how do you identify and correct them?

• Motion artifact: caused by patient movement during the exposure. Can be corrected by repeating the exposure with the patient holding still.
• Scatter radiation artifact: caused by X-rays that scatter off of objects in the room. Can be corrected by using a grid or by increasing the collimator size.
• Grid lines artifact: caused by the grid used to reduce scatter radiation. Can be corrected by using a different grid or by increasing the exposure time.
• Screen artifact: caused by damage to the intensifying screen. Can be corrected by replacing the screen.
• Film artifact: caused by damage to the film. Can be corrected by replacing the film.

6. What are the different types of breast cancer that can be detected on a mammogram?

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): a non-invasive cancer that starts in the milk ducts
• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): a cancer that starts in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): a cancer that starts in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands in the breast
• Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): a rare and aggressive cancer that causes the breast to become inflamed and red

7. What are the different stages of breast cancer and how are they determined?

• Stage 0: The cancer is confined to the milk ducts or lobules and has not spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
• Stage I: The cancer has spread to the surrounding breast tissue, but is still confined to the breast.
• Stage II: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, but is still confined to the breast and surrounding lymph nodes.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm and to other parts of the breast, but is still confined to the chest wall.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or brain.

8. What are the different treatment options for breast cancer?

• Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The type of surgery will depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery, or as a standalone treatment.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously, orally, or both.
• Hormonal therapy: Hormonal therapy uses drugs to block the effects of hormones that can promote the growth of breast cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth of breast cancer cells.

9. What is your understanding of the ALARA principle and how do you apply it in your work as a mammography technician?

• The ALARA principle stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”.
• It is a radiation safety principle that requires that radiation exposure be kept as low as reasonably achievable, without compromising the quality of the diagnostic image.
• As a mammography technician, I apply the ALARA principle by using the lowest possible dose of radiation to produce a diagnostic-quality image.
• I also use techniques to minimize patient exposure, such as using a grid to reduce scatter radiation and using a compression paddle to reduce the amount of tissue in the X-ray beam.

10. What are your continuing education goals as a mammography technician?

• I am committed to continuing my education as a mammography technician in order to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field.
• My continuing education goals include:
• Attending conferences and workshops on mammography
• Reading journal articles and research papers on mammography
• Completing online courses on mammography

Mammography Technicians play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer by performing mammograms. Their primary responsibilities include:

1. Mammography Examination

Conducting mammograms on patients to obtain high-quality images of the breast tissue.

• Positioning patients for optimal breast visualization.
• Adjusting mammogram machine settings to ensure proper exposure and image clarity.

2. Patient Care and Communication

Providing a comfortable and reassuring experience for patients during the examination.

• Explaining the mammography procedure and addressing any patient concerns.
• Maintaining confidentiality and respecting patient privacy.

3. Equipment Maintenance and Quality Control

Ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of mammography equipment.

• Performing regular equipment checks and calibrations.
• Documenting and reporting any equipment issues or malfunctions.

4. Image Analysis and Evaluation

Assessing mammogram images for potential abnormalities or changes.

• Identifying suspicious areas or lesions that require further evaluation.
• Communicating findings to radiologists for interpretation.

To ace your Mammography Technician interview, consider the following tips:

1. Research and Preparation

Familiarize yourself with the specific mammography techniques and equipment used at the facility you are interviewing with.

• Review industry-standard protocols for breast imaging.
• Research the latest advancements in mammography technology.

2. Highlight Relevant Experience

Emphasize your experience and skills in performing mammograms, including patient positioning, image acquisition, and quality assurance.

• Quantify your experience by providing specific examples.
• Explain how your previous roles have equipped you to excel in the position.

3. Communicate Effectively

Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to clearly explain complex procedures to patients.

• Practice answering common interview questions related to patient interaction.
• Emphasize your empathy, compassion, and ability to put patients at ease.

4. Show Attention to Detail

Highlight your meticulous nature and commitment to accuracy and precision.

• Explain your approach to quality control and maintaining equipment functionality.
• Discuss your ability to analyze mammogram images and identify potential abnormalities.

5. Express Enthusiasm and Professionalism

Convey your passion for mammography and your commitment to providing quality patient care.

• Share your understanding of the importance of early breast cancer detection.
• Dress professionally and maintain a positive and confident demeanor.