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What is an ultrasound-guided biopsy?
When an area of the body differs from an expected appearance on imaging (such as x-ray, ultrasound, CT) it is not always possible to give an exact diagnosis, so an ultrasound-guided biopsy may be used to sample tissue areas - for example in the breast, kidney and liver. Ultrasound is used to accurately guide the radiologist to this area, a biopsy is performed using a hollow needle, and the sample sent for laboratory testing.
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Pre Examination |
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Your doctor will refer you for this examination.
If you are having a liver or kidney biopsy, the radiologist may ask you to have a number of blood tests a few days before the study. For some biopsy procedures, the Radiologist may give you a light sedative prior to the examination.
If you are taking regular aspirin, or a blood thinner, eg, Warfarin, please let the staff know when you make your appointment, and again on arrival.
The sonographer or the radiologist will discuss the examination procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. We encourage discussion of any queries you may have regarding the procedure.
When we make your appointment we will tell you if you require sedation and therefore if you need to have someone to drive you home.
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The Examination |
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Using ultrasound, the radiologist will identify the area to be biopsied. He or she will then introduce local anaesthetic into the skin. While scanning the region, the radiologist will insert a needle into the area to be biopsied. When the needle is in place, a sample will be taken and the radiologist will remove the needle. As the biopsy is taken you may hear a click but will feel minimal discomfort. The radiologist usually collects between three and five samples. |
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Post Examination |
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The biopsy sample will be sent to the medical laboratory for examination. A result should be sent to your doctor within three to five working days after the biopsy. When the results are available, you may wish to have an appointment with your referring doctor to discuss the results.
If you are having a liver or renal (kidney) biopsy, you will need to stay on site for a period of four to six hours of observation by a nurse. The radiologist and /or another doctor will see you before you leave and give you instructions on after care. |
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