Following a breast biopsy, which imaging modality is commonly used to confirm the clip's position?

• A. Mammography
• B. Ultrasound
• C. MRI
• D. CT

Answer: (A)

After a breast biopsy, a small radiopaque clip is placed to mark the biopsy bed so the exact location can be found later for surgical planning or follow-up. The best way to confirm where that clip sits is mammography. Metallic clips show up clearly on X-ray images, allowing precise localization relative to the original lesion and breast anatomy. This immediate radiographic confirmation is routinely done with spot views or targeted mammograms after biopsy.

Ultrasound can visualize some clips, but visibility isn’t guaranteed and depends on clip type and surrounding tissue, so it isn’t as reliable for confirming exact position. MRI can detect clips but isn’t routinely used for this purpose due to cost, availability, and workflow considerations. CT isn’t the standard choice for clip localization in the breast because it adds radiation exposure and offers less practical value for daily biopsy-marking needs.

So, mammography is the most dependable method to verify the clip’s position after a breast biopsy.