CT / Ultrasound Guided Biopsy

What is a biopsy and why is it needed?

A biopsy is a minor procedure that is done to remove a sample of tissue, and this is sent to the pathologist to be analysed. It is one of the investigations that are necessary to make a diagnosis.

How is the biopsy done?

You will have your biopsy performed in the Radiology Department under CT guidance or Ultrasound guidance by a Radiologist. A small incision is made to the remove a sample of tissue under general or local anaesthetic.

 What are the risks?

• There is a small risk of infection
• It is possible that the biopsy may need to be repeated
• If a bone biopsy is done there is a risk of a fracture occurring due to the bone being weakened at the biopsy site. If you have a biopsy of bone from a lower limb it may be necessary for you to use crutches to prevent you from putting direct weight through the limb. The physiotherapist will be able to advise you about this.

Preparations for your procedure

• Patients are to arrive at the Admissions and Day Case Unit (ADCU)
• Patients having procedures under local anaesthesia do not need to fast and can eat and drink as normal.
• Patients having procedure under General anaesthesia - no food is allowed to be consumed for six hours before admission time. When patients arrive at ADCU they may be offered water to drink up until they are called for the procedure.

Important information

Please inform the Department if you:

• Are diabetic
• Are on antibiotics
• Feel unwell
• Have an infection, cold or persistent cough
• Have any allergies (such as latex or allergies to any medications)
• Are taking any of the following medications- Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel, Rivaroxaban or any other tablets used to thin the blood (some of these may need to be stopped some days before the procedure)
• Think you may be or are pregnant

Failure to inform the department may result in the procedure being cancelled. 

After your procedure

You may need to stay in hospital overnight following the biopsy to allow you to recover from the anaesthetic or you may be discharged on the same day. It really depends on your rate of recovery from the anaesthetic. You will not be allowed to go home on your own due to the effects of the anaesthetic, so please ensure that someone is available to collect you. If this is not possible, then transport can be arranged but prior notice must be given.

How will I feel after the biopsy?

It is quite normal to experience some discomfort for a few days following the biopsy and we will be able to supply you with painkillers to take at home. If you require a further supply, these can be obtained from your general practitioner.

When can I go home?

You may need to stay in hospital overnight following the biopsy to allow you to recover from the general anaesthetic or you may be discharged on the same day. It depends on your rate of recovery from it.

You will not be allowed to go home on your own due to the effects of the drugs used during the procedure so please ensure that someone is available to collect you. If this is not possible, then transport can be arranged but prior notice must be given. 

Care of the biopsy site

• There will be a small wound, this will be closed using Steristrips and covered with a small dressing.
• The dressing and Steristrips should be left in place for 48 hours and then you should carefully peel off the dressing and Steristrips.
• When these have been removed check that the wound is clean, dry and healed.
• If you experience any bleeding apply pressure to the wound and add a dressing.

 When will I know the result?

The biopsy result and the results of your other scans and x-rays are discussed by the specialist team at our weekly MDT meeting and treatment is planned. This can take approximately 2 to 3 weeks but can sometimes take longer. You will be contacted as soon as the result is available by either telephone or letter. You may decide to return to the oncology clinic for your results or you can choose to have your results from your GP.

Contact information

Imaging Department - 0121 812 3370 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Oncology Department – 0121 812 3834 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you are unable to keep your appointment it is important that you let us know as soon as you can on the contact details provided above. Failure to inform us may mean that you will not be sent a further appointment in the future.

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