When it comes to mammography, small changes can make a big difference. That’s why many breast imaging centers turn to Bella Blankets® protective coverlets—they’re designed to help improve positioning, which often means more breast tissue is captured on the image. That alone can have a meaningful impact on image quality, workflow, and patient experience.
Why Bella Blankets?
In breast imaging, every millimeter counts™. Facilities that implement Bella Blankets often see:
- More tissue captured on mammographic images
- Enhanced image quality that supports ACR positioning criteria
- Improved workflow, especially for technologists
- A smoother and more sanitary experience for patients
- Increased confidence in early cancer detection
Getting a new product approved in a clinical setting often comes down to one thing: data. Mammography supervisors are frequently asked to justify new purchases with evidence of improved image quality, workflow impact, and adherence to standards like ACR positioning criteria. That’s exactly why Beekley Medical offers Bella Blankets® protective coverlet evaluations—to help you build a strong, data-driven case for implementation.
This guide outlines how an on-site evaluation works, who qualifies, and additional evaluation options for gathering the data you need to move forward with Bella Blankets.
What Is a Bella Blankets On-Site Evaluation?
The on-site evaluation is a collaborative experience where the Beekley Medical team comes to your breast center and partners with your mammography department to educate technologists on the benefits and proper use of Bella Blankets, while also guiding structured image comparisons to demonstrate measurable results. These evaluations generate real-time, facility-specific data that demonstrates how Bella Blankets support quality imaging and optimal positioning.
Who Qualifies for an On-Site Evaluation?
These evaluations are reserved for facilities that meet certain criteria and are serious about exploring implementation. A Beekley Medical representative will work with your team to determine eligibility based on factors such as volume, workflow, and decision-making timelines.
What Happens During the Evaluation?
Conducted over one to two days, the on-site evaluation includes:
- Patient Selection: Screening patients with no significant changes in breast habitus (e.g., no recent implants or large lumpectomies) are chosen to ensure image consistency.
- Image Comparison: Using your PACS system, the Beekley team compares current mammograms with Bella Blankets to prior-year images. The goal is to assess image quality improvements and positioning enhancements.
- Quantitative Data Collection: The Beekley team records specific metrics for each patient (no PHI will be collected during this evaluation), including:
- PNL (Posterior Nipple Line) measurements
- Pectoralis muscle extension to PNL
- Visualization of the IMF (Inframammary Fold)
- Muscle shape (convex or straight)
- Pectoralis muscle width
This data is compiled into a professional report that outlines the improvements achieved while using Bella Blankets, providing valuable support for internal discussions and purchasing decisions.
Alternative Evaluation Option with Surveys
If an on-site evaluation isn’t the right fit for your facility, Beekley Medical offers a flexible survey- driven evaluation option that will still provide the valuable data you need.
Survey-Driven Evaluations
Beekley can supply technologist and/or patient surveys that your facility completes internally during regular screenings. After the evaluation period, the results are sent back to Beekley, where our team compiles and analyzes the findings. You’ll receive a detailed summary with key insights to help support your case for Bella Blankets approval.
This alternative allows facilities to run evaluations at their own pace while still benefiting from Beekley’s clinical expertise and reporting support.
Why Evaluation Data Matters
Whether through on-site or remote evaluation, the outcome is the same: objective, facility-specific data that speaks to decision makers. Bella Blankets evaluations consistently show improvements in:
- Tissue acquisition on mammographic images
- Adherence to ACR positioning criteria
- Optimization of image quality for accreditation and cancer detection
This data can help address key concerns from clinical leadership and purchasing teams while supporting your department’s commitment to excellence in breast imaging.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact your Medical Imaging Account Manager, or email info@beekley.com to find out which evaluation option is right for your facility. Whether it’s a full on-site visit or a survey-based study, we’re here to help you gather the data you need to confidently move forward with Bella Blankets.
Colleen O'Flaherty
Product Manager - Mammography and Breast Biopsy
