breast ultra sound procedure

[sparky42]

this sounds stupid but i've got to ask it. ,my wife had an ultra sound done today, already had a mamogram, needed a follow up of ultrasound on one side and a biopsy of a cyst on the other side. i presumed the hand held device would do the work, the technician was a male, who rather than hold the device at the top of the handle held it at the bottom, not wearing any gloves, meaning his hand was constantly brushing over the breast & nipple area? is this the way it's supposed to be done, if she were having a breast examination by her gp maybe, but this was a guy with an ultrasound machine, my wife didn't notice. he then decided to do the same at the other side and took no biopsy of the cyst as per the appointment letter, there was a nurse present at all times and i was also present, he gave us the all clear  then and there. i felt very uncomfortable, like my wife was been indecently touched. i asked her if she was ok, i tried to return to the department to question the technician but my wife insisted i didn't. something doesn't      feel right. can someone please confirm the procedure (i have watched a youtube presentation and i saw no case of the technicians hand constantly brushing and resting on breast and nipple. ) i have heard a few stories of inappropriate behaviour rearding dr's, obviously this is a sensitive issue, this man probably sees 10 pairs of breasts a day, procedure may have been followed to the letter, but it didn't look that way to me- or maybe i'm a bit over protective-maybe i shouldn't have gone to support my wife, but why wear no gloves and let his hand brush over the breast and nipples?

it has been a stressfull couple of months with this and other things, and i don't wish to over react, we got the all clear which is all that matters i suppose

[japdip]

Thanks for replying ... I'm glad you understand; it takes a BIG MAN to admit it's his problem and you are definitely ONE of those. Thanks again and all the best to you both; we're always happy to hear about the success stories and negative reports. Take care.

[sparky42]

no offence taken, thanks, that's the answer i was hoping for. i did hold her hand and give her a kiss, told her i was there for her, but i sat beside her rather than leave the room, next time i'm waiting outside! though to be completely honest i think a female tech, holding the device from the top to avoid any contact and gloves would have made sense, but it was my problem not my wife's. we got the all clear, so a huge wait off my wife's mind and mine. good luck to everyone here not so fortunate to get the all clear, stay positive you can & will beat this.

kindest regards

[bluebutterfly2222]

Here is a link to a Radiology site, showing an ultrasound technician holder the transducer.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/photocat/gallery3.cfm?image=LbreastMR-vnr-009.jpg&pg=breastus

[japdip]

This is certainly the correct procedure and I might suggest that you wait in the waiting room next time.With the way you obviously feel it must make your wife quite uncomfortable having you present since she undoubtedly knows what you are thinking. If I were in her place I would prefer that you not be present .... just speaking as a woman, OK ? No offense is intended but it's stressful enough without having to worry about what you might say or do under the circumstances. Gloves are not usually worn for this type of procedure and the Tech. is concentrating on the screen NOT your wife's breasts. Doing the US on both breasts is nothing unusual ... this type of exam is done per the order of the Radiologist who is also present in the area at the time and reads the results "on the spot" so to speak. Don't forget and the fact that you mention your wife being "indecently touched", this is a hospital and this is medical care ... NOT a massage parlor. I understand your concerns but they are a bit misplaced in this type of setting and under these circumstances. Next time (if there is one) maybe you could be of more support if you would hold her hand, give her a kiss and say "I'll be in the waiting room if you need me". After having said all this believe me your support is applauded as every husband isn't so attentive. Good wishes for you and your wife that the "all clear" is the final determination.   Kindest regards ....