A compression unit for a combined x-ray and ultrasound examination device and an examination device. The handling of the combined x-ray and ultrasound examination device is simplified by providing a compression unit with a compression surface which is permeable to x-rays and ultrasound and which is, or can be, coupled to a support element of the examination device irrespective of the existence of a mechanical and/or electrical connection between the ultrasound unit and the examination device.