The combined breast examination combines mammography and 3D ultrasound examination of the breasts.
Mammogram as part of a combined breast examination
In mammography, both breasts are scanned alternately from two different directions. The bare breasts are squeezed against the imaging plate, one at a time.
3D ultrasound as part of a combined breast examination
After a mammogram, a radiographer familiar with the method performs a 3D ultrasound examination of the breasts. In a 3D ultrasound, the person lies on their back with their arm on the side of the breast to be scanned raised next to their head.