ABUS Breast Screening in Beverly Hills
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is an FDA-approved supplemental screening exam for women with dense breasts. PrimaVue Diagnostic Imaging offers ABUS with the Invenia™ ABUS Premium system at our Beverly Hills office, serving women across Los Angeles.
What is ABUS?
ABUS uses sound waves, not X-rays, to create detailed 3D images of the whole breast. It is designed to be used alongside your mammogram, not instead of it, to give your doctor a more complete picture when breast tissue is dense.
Why it matters if you have dense breasts
About 4 in 10 women who get mammograms have dense breast tissue. On a mammogram, both dense tissue and possible abnormalities look white, so a small finding can be hidden, much like a snowball in a blizzard. On ultrasound, many abnormalities appear darker against the bright background of dense tissue, which can make them easier to see.
Since September 2024, mammography facilities across the U.S. are required to tell patients whether their breasts are dense. If your report mentions dense breast tissue (category C or D), ABUS may be worth discussing with your provider.
Is ABUS right for me?
ABUS may be a good fit if you:
- Have been told you have heterogeneously dense (C) or extremely dense (D) breasts
- Have a normal mammogram but want additional peace of mind because of dense tissue
- Prefer a screening option with no radiation and no compression
ABUS is a screening exam for women without symptoms. If you have a new lump, nipple discharge or other breast changes, talk to your doctor; a targeted breast ultrasound or other diagnostic imaging may be more appropriate.
What to expect during your exam
- No special preparation: wear a two-piece outfit and avoid lotion or powder on your chest that day.
- Comfortable positioning: you lie on your back while a layer of lotion is applied to the breast.
- Gentle scanning: a wide scanner rests on the breast and captures the images automatically. There is no squeezing like a mammogram and no radiation.
- Results: your images are interpreted by a physician and the results are sent to your referring healthcare provider.
ABUS and mammography: better together
Mammography remains the foundation of breast cancer screening and can show early changes, such as tiny calcifications, that ultrasound may not. ABUS adds a second, different view of dense tissue. Together, they give you and your doctor more information than either test alone.
Cost
ABUS (whole breast ultrasound) is $399 self-pay. We are working on contracts with insurance providers, so please contact our office for the latest insurance information. See all of our ultrasound prices.
Frequently asked questions
Does ABUS replace my mammogram?
No. ABUS is a supplemental exam. Keep getting mammograms as your provider recommends.
Does ABUS hurt?
Most women find it comfortable. The scanner rests on the breast with gentle pressure, without the compression used in mammography.
Does ABUS use radiation?
No. ABUS uses ultrasound (sound waves), so there is no radiation exposure.
Do I need a doctor’s order?
Please bring your physician’s order if you have one. If you are not sure, call us at (310) 598-6208 and our team will guide you.
Where is PrimaVue located?
Our office is at 50 N La Cienega Blvd, Suite 205, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday, 10am to 2pm.
Learn more
- What Is ABUS? Understanding an Important Supplemental Breast Screening Option
- What Are Dense Breasts?
- Why Breast Density Matters: Understanding Your Screening Options
Book your ABUS exam
Take the next step for your breast health. Call us or book online, and our team will help you schedule a time that works for you.
