Needle Biopsy

A needle biopsy is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through your skin into an organ or abnormal lump or mass inside your body to obtain a sample of tissue. A needle biopsy is done to assist your physician in identifying the cause of abnormal organ function or the cause or an abnormal lump or mass somewhere in your body.

Some medications may increase the risk of bleeding after your procedure. Please check with your doctor about possibly holding medications such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), Ticlid, Pletal, Aggrenox, Plavix and NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, before your procedure. Please hold these medications as directed. You may resume your medications the day after your procedure.

Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your needle biopsy. You may need certain blood tests done before the needle biopsy to see whether you have any bleeding problems.

During the procedure, a radiologist will use ultrasound or CT pictures for guidance when selecting the best site for the biopsy. If CT is utilized, you will lie on a table and a computer will use x-ray to look at thin slices of the area in question. If ultrasound is used, hand-held device will be moved over your skin. The radiologist will mark the best spot for the biopsy. A local anesthetic (numbing medication) will be injected into the area using a small needle. You may feel a burning or stinging sensation as the medication is injected. The biopsy needle is then placed and used to remove a tiny piece of tissue or some cells from the mass. Length of the procedure is about an hour.

After the biopsy, you will return to the Outpatient Services Department. Expect to rest and be monitored there for 4-6 hours following the biopsy. The lab will send your biopsy results to your physician. Nurses will instruct you in activity restrictions and general care before you return home.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance