ST. MARYS – The Women’s Center at Penn Highlands Elk has been recognized again for outstanding quality with a three-year accreditation in ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.
The center has already received numerous accreditations, and one more will give the Women’s Center the distinction as a Center of Excellence.
The accreditation is awarded by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Its gold seal represents the highest level of image quality, staff qualifications and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting rigorous technical standards.
Lisa Redmond is the lead ultrasound sonographer whose extra effort led to the gold seal award. She explains what is involved in an ultrasound-guided breast biopsy.
“The goal is to extract a sample of suspicious breast tissue, which is then studied to determine malignancy,” she said.
Redmond goes on to say that a team of clinicians performs this procedure. She is responsible for projecting an image of the affected area to a computer screen. A surgeon then inserts a hollow need, and a technician operates a vacuum to capture some of the cells. The patient is well-numbed and is able to go home afterwards. Results are ready within a couple days.
Redmond’s manager and director of the imaging department, Lisa Housler, said, “We are very proud of Lisa and the entire ultrasound department for their excellent work.
“There is a stringent process for applying for this accreditation, and it takes someone willing to study many patients and films with great patience. The ultrasound department has done an outstanding job and committed hours of dedication to this project. This is an award that is well deserved.”
For information about the Women’s Center at Penn Highlands Elk, please call 814-788-8898.