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Breast Screening
About My Test
What will happen during your appointment and what to do if you need to change your appointment.
How Will I Know about My Appointment?
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/mobileunit.jpg)
Where will I have my Breast Screening?
Your test will be at your nearest breast screening centre. In Edinburgh this is Ardmillan House or nearest mobile screening unit.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/mamm2.jpg)
What does the Test Involve?
The breast screening test involves taking images of your breasts using x- rays (mammogram) and checking them for changes.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/femalehp.jpg)
Who does the Test?
The test is done by female health professionals only.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/30mins.jpg)
How Long Will the Test Take?
The appointment will usually take no more than 30 mins.
What Happens During the Appointment?
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/femalehp.jpg)
Arriving for the Appointment
When you arrive for your appointment, the mammographer will check your details and explain the test to you.
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Questions?
You will be able to ask questions.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/changingroom.jpg)
What to Wear
You should wear a loose fitting top as the mammographer will ask you to undress from waist up. You can cover up when you’re not having the test done.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/bsavoid.jpg)
Things to Avoid
Don’t use talcum powder or spray deodorant before the test.
The Test
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/bsscreening.jpg)
The Mammogram
Your mammographer will X-ray one breast at a time. She will position your breast between 2 special plates on the machine.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/mamm2.jpg)
X-Rays
The mammographer will press the breast firmly between the plates for a few seconds. She will take 2 pictures of each breast – you should stay as still as possible while she takes the pictures.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/bsstop.jpg)
Stopping the Test
You can ask to stop the test at any time.
Making Changes to Your Appointment
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/bsletter.jpg)
How to Change Your Appointment
You can make changes to your appointment by phoning your local screening centre.
![](https://services.nhslothian.scot/healthscreening/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2023/01/ardmillan.jpg)
When to Phone about Your Appointment
You should phone Ardmillan House (0131 537 7400) if you:
- Would like to bring someone with you to the test (men are not allowed to enter mobile screening units).
- Have a disability.
- Need an interpreter or any other help.
- If you miss an appointment.