Ambulatory Procedure Center

Needle Biopsy

What Is It?

Needle biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue from a specific area for examination by a pathologist. It is done to diagnose certain diseases and for follow-up of treatment progress.

How Do I Prepare?

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure.
  • Medications that your doctor has instructed you to take can be taken with a small amount of water.
  • If you are taking medication to thin your blood (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin), you should check with your doctor about stopping these medications before this test.
  • You will be asked to have a blood test the day before or the day of the procedure.
  • Be sure to arrange transportation. Someone must stay with you at the hospital until discharge and drive you home. Transportation will be verified before the procedure. You may use a taxi cab for your transportation only if you have a person accompanying you other than the taxi cab driver. Your procedure may be cancelled if these arrangements are not made.

What Happens During the Procedure?

  • Consent is signed.
  • X-ray or ultrasound equipment will be used to help locate the specific area to be sampled.
  • You may be given medication to help you feel sleepy and relaxed during the test.
  • The area is cleansed and medication is injected to numb the area and minimize discomfort.
  • A special needle is inserted into the area to be sampled and a small amount of tissue is collected.
  • The needle is removed and the sample is sent to the lab for testing.
  • The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes.
  • Recovery time is 1-4 hours.