Patent ID: 7921851

Claim:
A method of preparing a breast of a patient for a diagnostic examination, comprising: positioning a cover on the breast; wherein the cover comprises a nipple receiving well and a base, said base being configured to be secured to a portion of the breast surrounding a nipple of the breast; wherein the nipple receiving well comprises at least one sidewall and a distal end wall, said distal end wall forming a continuous barrier along one end of said at least one sidewall; wherein the nipple receiving well comprises a polymeric material that is generally flexible and resilient, said polymeric material being biocompatible and hypoallergenic; securing the base of the cover onto the breast such that the nipple extends into the nipple receiving well; wherein the nipple receiving well is configured to substantially conform to a shape of the nipple as the cover is applied to the breast; forming a seal between the cover and the breast of the patient; wherein securing the base onto the breast and forming a seal generally isolates the nipple from a surrounding environment; wherein a lower surface of the base comprises an adhesive, said adhesive being configured to secure the cover to the breast, wherein said adhesive comprises a medically approved skin adhesive; wherein the lower surface of the base has a sufficient surface area so that it forms an effective seal with the patient's breast; retrieving within the cover, fluids originating from a breast duct, wherein the cover prevents such fluids from leaking outside the cover; and removing the cover from the breast.