compression paddle
Clear plastic mammography compression paddle that flattens breast tissue against the detector for imaging. Compression evens tissue thickness, reduces motion, and reduces dose at matched detail. Several paddle types per clinic:
- Standard / screening — full breast (CC and MLO).
- Spot compression — small-area focal compression for diagnostic workup.
- Magnification — paired with magnification platform for calcification characterization.
- Axillary / implant — anatomic / implant-displaced views.
- True-lateral — diagnostic localization views.
- Biopsy paddles — fenestrated for stereotactic / tomo-guided biopsy.
Why it matters to buyers: MQSA-fail item if cracked or flexing. Paddle inventory management is a mammography-center operational staple. A missing or damaged paddle stops clinical workflow until replacement; refurb purchases should explicitly include the full paddle set.
Why it matters to engineers: Keep full paddle set + at least one spare per size. Inspect at every clinical session — cracks propagate quickly under compression force. Paddle inventory and condition is part of the daily / weekly QC binder reviewed in MQSA inspections.