ABUS
Clarity for dense breast tissue.
ABUS is an advanced three-dimensional ultrasound technology that captures comprehensive images of dense breast tissue without using radiation. For women with dense breasts — for whom mammography alone can be less clear — ABUS provides additional diagnostic information. It is most often used alongside mammography rather than as a replacement for it.
Radiation
Dense-tissue imaging
Appointment
Mammography
Who it is for
When ABUS is ordered.
Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) adds clarity for dense breast tissue. It is used to:
Adding information when breast tissue is dense.
Dense tissue can hide change on a mammogram alone.
Taking a closer, radiation-free look.
Monitoring without additional radiation.
Am I a candidate
Is this scan right for me?
ABUS uses sound waves — no radiation — to image the whole breast in a standardised 3D sweep. It is especially useful for dense breast tissue, often alongside mammography.
Most scans need a requisition from your physician or nurse practitioner. Speak to them about a referral — and if it helps, bring the form with you.
01
You have dense breast tissue noted on a mammogram.
02
Additional, radiation-free imaging would help.
03
A finding needs a closer look.
04
Your physician has recommended supplemental screening.
How it works
A complete 3D sweep.
An automated transducer captures the whole breast in three dimensions — so you don’t have to hold an uncomfortable position, and nothing is missed.
You lie comfortably on your back as the technologist prepares the area.
A warmed ultrasound gel and a curved automated transducer are placed gently over the breast.
The transducer captures three-dimensional images of the breast automatically.
The complete 3D dataset is reviewed, adding confidence to the assessment.
✓No radiation — a gentle complement to mammography for dense breasts.
How to prepare
Before your visit.
ABUS needs almost no preparation. Eat and drink normally; just keep the skin clear of products.
Do not wear lotion, powder, or oil on your chest or breasts on the day of the exam.
Wear a two-piece outfit, as you’ll need to undress from the waist up.
No fasting, no medication changes — eat and drink normally.
What to expect
Comfortable and non-invasive.
You will lie comfortably on your back. A warmed ultrasound gel is applied, and a curved automated transducer is placed gently over the breast. The transducer captures three-dimensional images automatically — you do not need to hold still in an uncomfortable position. The full appointment typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is non-invasive and painless.
Step 01
Check-in & change from the waist up
Step 02
Warmed gel applied, lying on your back
Step 03
Automated 3D sweep of the breast
about 20–30 minutes total
Step 04
Free to resume your day right after
No recovery time is needed — you can resume normal activity immediately.
Results
When you get your results.
Your images are reviewed by our specialist.
A signed report is delivered securely to your referring physician; for urgent cases we can share verbal findings the same day.
Your physician talks you through the findings and next steps.
Aftercare
After your scan.
There is no recovery period. An MRI, CT, mammogram, ultrasound or bone-density scan is non-invasive, so you leave as you arrived.
You can drive yourself home and return to normal activity right away.
Eat, work and exercise as usual unless your physician has told you otherwise.
When a contrast agent is given, drink plenty of water to help clear it. Your team will mention this if it applies to you.
Cost
What it costs.
Pricing on request
ABUS
We publish our prices up front. This service is quoted individually because the cost depends on the protocol your physician orders. Contact us and we will confirm the full cost, and any funding options, before you book.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is ABUS painful?
No. A warmed ultrasound scanner passes over the breast. There is light pressure but no compression like a mammogram.
Does it replace a mammogram?
No — it complements it. ABUS is often used together with mammography, especially for dense breast tissue.
Is there any radiation?
No. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation.
How long does it take?
The appointment is short and non-invasive; the automated sweep captures the whole breast quickly.
Do I need a referral?
Our team confirms what is needed when you book.
Will my insurance cover it?
Initio is a private clinic, so the scan is paid directly. Many plans reimburse diagnostic imaging — we provide the documentation to claim.
Keep exploring
Related services.
Why Initio
Everything under one roof.
ABUS sits alongside mammography and DEXA at Initio, so women’s-health imaging is coordinated under one roof and reported to your physician.
Your physician’s referral is all you need to begin. Our team handles preparation and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call +1 (604) 678-9274, email info@initiomedical.ca, or send us a message.
Looking for another service? Back to For Patients.