The first breast biopsy unit comes to the North East and North Cumbria region

This unit has the potential to reduce procedure time to transform the patient experience.

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust is thrilled to announce that our Breast Services Team has purchased the first-ever Brevera Biopsy Unit in the North East and North Cumbria region. The Hologic Brevera is a pioneering and unique solution combining vacuum-assisted acquisition, real-time imaging, instant verification post-biopsy and automated post-biopsy specimen handling – all in one, integrated system.

The imaging of samples in real-time reduces the amount of tissue that is removed during the biopsy for a pathology diagnosis to be established. Little to no handling of the samples post-biopsy helps maintain sample integrity from patient to pathology.

Breast screening team with new unit

This unit has the potential to reduce procedure time to transform the patient experience and boost our productivity.

Quicker procedures mean less time under compression for patients, which can result in a more positive biopsy experience.

Joanne Brand, Lead Radiographer for Breast Screening said: ” This is a significant investment for our Breast Unit and we are proud to be the only trust in the region to have invested in this state-of-the-art technology.

“We are confident that this new system will have a positive impact on both patients and staff in the breast unit by reducing procedure time and improving the patient experience during a biopsy.”

Members of the breast screening team have already undertaken training on the new system and screening will begin from 12 June.