It is essential that the practitioner firstly introduces themself and gives a relevant explanation of the mammographic procedure, establishing rapport with the client/ patient thus facilitating full co-operation in both obtaining a relevant clinical history and the mammographic examination itself [3].

During this initial contact the individual needs of the client/patient may be assessed. Clients who are anxious, have physical or learning difficulties, or indeed where English is not the functional language, may require additional support and this can be sought prior to the commencement of the examination.

The practitioner must utilise excellent communication skills [4] and verify that the client demographics (name, date of birth and address) are concordant with the request form/client sheet. Documentation to confirm concordance must be completed either by initialling the request form or by making an electronic record.

Once details have been verified and/or any changes have been made, it must then be established whether the client has undergone any previous breast imaging. If this is the case it must be determined when the imaging occurred. Within the UK, a minimum interval period of 6 months is required for another screen in the screening service [5]. Within the symptomatic setting a 6–12 months interval period between consecutive mammograms is required, dependent upon individual hospital protocol, with the exception of clinically suspicious findings e.g. P4/5 [6]. This information is imperative in order to ensure that a mammogram is the appropriate imaging modality and conforms to both local imaging guidelines and ionising radiation regulations. It is also important to establish where the imaging was performed, thus enabling historical images to be obtained. Comparison with previous images may improve the appreciation of discrete mammographic changes thus increasing sensitivity of breast cancer detection [7].