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What if the smallest thing you do during a mammogram could be the most powerful? In breast imaging, where even the smallest details carry significant weight, a simple skin marker can make a substantial difference. For those committed to quality care, placing a marker isn’t just routine. It’s a small but mighty choice and a subtle way to advocate for the person on the other side of the machine.
From Muscle Memory to Meaningful Practice: Rethinking Routine Marker Placement
Over time, marker placement can start to feel like second nature. A mole here, a scar there, a noted lump, it’s all part of the daily flow. But when something becomes automatic, we risk forgetting how important it really is.
Mammography skin markers aren’t just dots and lines; they’re signals. Each one is a tiny flag that says, “Hey, this could matter.” A marker isn’t slapped on casually; it’s thoughtfully placed by someone who’s trained to observe, think critically, and ask the right questions. Even if no words are exchanged, a marker tells the radiologist, "Take another look here."
The markers are part of the story—and the permanent record. They link what the patient feels, what the technologist notices, and what the radiologist sees. When used with intention, they help avoid confusion, reduce callbacks, and give the radiologist an important starting point.
As Olive Peart notes, "The mammographer is often the only link between the patient and the radiologist. The information that the mammographer does or does not convey can aid in diagnosis and the action, or lack of action, which can have repercussions".
That’s why the best technologists aren’t just checking boxes. They’re asking smart questions in real time.
Designed for Detail: The TomoSPOT® Advantage
Beekley Medical’s TomoSPOT® skin markers for digital breast tomosynthesis were made specifically for 3D mammography. Unlike traditional markers that can cast artifact or distract from the image, TomoSPOT® was designed with clarity in mind.
Made with a low-density material that keeps artifact to a minimum, TomoSPOT® skin markers are sized and shaped for visibility without obscuring what matters. The five distinct shapes (dot, line, circle, triangle, and square) support clear and consistent communication of both topographical and intraparenchymal areas of interest or concern, such as nipple location, post-surgical scarring, raised lesions or moles, palpable masses, or non-palpable areas of pain.
Radiologists count on that clarity to distinguish between something serious and something superficial.
Bottom line? TomoSPOT® skin markers don't just mark, they help elevate the exam.
As highlighted in a recent article, "The best method of identifying lesions on the skin surface or in the breast is with the use of non-metallic markers. In this scenario, any radiologist viewing the images, anywhere in the world, can easily identify lesions either in the breast or on the skin surface."
Celebrating the Mindset: Beekley’s Skin Marking in Mammography Excellence Award
To shine a light on those facilities using the 5-shape system as a standard of care, Beekley Medical created the Skin Marking in Mammography Excellence Award. This award honors breast center teams who approach skin marking with thoughtfulness and purpose.
It’s not just about following procedures. It’s about a way of thinking. These award winners view every milestone as a small but intentional step toward improved imaging. They utilize tools such as TomoSPOT skin markers for digital breast tomosynthesis to focus on key areas, reduce ambiguity, and support more accurate interpretation of mammographic images.
Recipients are recognized for:
Making thoughtful use of skin marking part of everyday team culture.- Using the 5-Shape Beekley Skin Marking System for Mammography to boost image clarity and support accurate interpretation of images
- Encouraging a mindset where every mammography skin marker is placed with purpose.
As one honoree put it, "By adopting a standardized approach like the 5-Shape system, our team significantly reduced callbacks and unnecessary imaging, improved communication between technologists and radiologists, and ensured clear, lasting documentation of key findings."
Beekley Medical celebrates these Breast Centers with personalized awards, public recognition, and a platform to share their insights with others. Because when it comes to skin marking in mammography, it’s the intention that counts most.
Leading by Example: Make Skin Marking a Mindset in Your Breast Center
Whether you’re a technologist, supervisor, educator, or radiology provider, you play a vital role in how mammography skin markers are used and understood..png?width=2500&height=1281&name=blog%20headers%20(8).png)
Reinforce the importance of why you mark, not just how. Share stories and real-life examples of when intentional marker use made a difference, whether in reducing ambiguity, avoiding unnecessary follow-ups, or identifying a critical finding early on. These shared experiences not only validate the clinical value of mammography skin markers but also build a stronger, more reflective imaging culture across the team.
At its best, skin marking in breast imaging isn't a routine gesture. It's a sign of attentiveness, a touch of professional pride, and a quiet contributor to better outcomes.
Let your mammography skin markers do more than just mark. Let them speak volumes about the care and excellence you provide behind every image.
Megan Sargalski
Marketing Communications Specialist
