When patients come in for a mammogram, their first thought usually isn’t about pixels, detectors, or compression angles. What they’re really thinking is whether the exam will hurt, what happens if something is found, and most importantly, whether they can trust the person providing their care.
Mammograms are about capturing the clearest possible images, but they’re also about something less visible: building trust and shaping the patient experience. And often, trust is built in the smallest, most overlooked moments.
The Power of a Single Mark
To the technologist, a TomoSPOT® skin marker may seem like a simple tool. It’s a quick way to highlight a mole, scar, or suspicious area. To the radiologist, it’s a helpful signal that helps avoid confusion and saves time during interpretation.
But to the patient watching closely, that tiny marker communicates something more. It shows that their technologist noticed the details, took the extra step to account for them, and is making sure nothing is overlooked. That simple gesture reassures patients that they’re in capable, careful hands. It’s a subtle but powerful way of demonstrating professionalism and attentiveness.
How TomoSpots® Work
TomoSPOT® skin markers for digital breast tomosynthesis are small, radiolucent self-adhesive markers placed directly on the skin over areas of interest, such as post-surgical scars, palpable lumps, nipples, raised lesions, or non-palpable areas of pain or concern. They help the radiologist instantly distinguish surface anatomy from internal findings. Instead of questioning whether a finding is an intraparenchymal lesion or simply a mole, the radiologist sees the marker and knows exactly what they’re looking at.
What makes TomoSPOTs® especially effective is their clarity and consistency. Designed specifically for 3D mammography, the most important feature of these markers is their lucency - you can see through the marker, ensuring visibility of any calcifications in the underlying tissue. These standardized markers use a medical-grade adhesive that stays in place throughout positioning, compression, and image acquisition. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of misinterpretation.
More Than Accuracy, It’s Confidence
The clinical benefits of TomoSPOT® are clear:
- Fewer unnecessary callbacks (less stress for patients)
- Clearer reads (less second-guessing for radiologists)
- Smarter workflow (better schedule flow for the imaging team)
But beyond the technical advantages, there is a human element that is just as important. Although patients may not understand positioning techniques or diagnostic criteria, they do notice when a technologist is detail-oriented.
That perception of thoroughness builds confidence, encourages them to return for future screenings, and directly impacts how they describe their experience in surveys.
Why Patient Perception Matters
Patient perception isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s measured through patient satisfaction surveys, and those results carry real weight. According to research published in "Insights into Imaging," regular patient feedback is vital for improving quality of care and building trust in radiology services. When patients highlight professionalism and attentiveness in their surveys, it has lasting effects:
- A stronger reputation for the facility within the community
- Greater patient loyalty, encouraging them to return each year
- Improved staff morale, as technologists see the impact of their care reflected in patient feedback
The Little Things Aren’t So Little
In healthcare, patients rarely see the full complexity of imaging interpretation. What they do notice are the small details. Whether their concerns were acknowledged, whether something as minor as a mole was accounted for, and whether their technologist treated them with careful attention.
That’s where tools like TomoSPOT® skin markers shine. They’re not just about following protocols; they’re about signaling professionalism, thoroughness, and care. Because at the end of the day, patients may forget the images, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.
If you would like to see how TomoSPOTs could work in your facility, request a complimentary sample or reach out to your Medical Imaging Account Manager at 1.800.233.5539.
Megan Sargalski
Marketing Communications Specialist
