Biopsy for Musculoskeletal Radiology Patients
You have been scheduled for a biopsy by your doctor. Please report to the Radiology desk (G3/3) by taking the Atrium elevators to the 3rd floor. Your procedure is scheduled on _______________________________ at ________________ (am) (pm).
The biopsy will be done using fluoroscopy, computerized axial tomography or ultrasound. Fluoroscopy is a device that views structures in the body using x-rays that can be viewed by your doctor on a TV screen. Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a series of detailed pictures taken of the body using a special type of x-rays. Ultrasound is a device that uses sound waves to form images of organs and other areas inside the body.
What is a Biopsy?
A needle is inserted through your skin into the bone or soft tissue to take a small sample to be studied.
How to Prepare for your Biopsy
- Please tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- If you are taking any type of blood thinners such as Coumadin® (warfarin), Plavix® (clopidogrel), or aspirin, tell the doctor who prescribed the medicine for you. You will be asked to stop your Coumadin® (warfarin) three days before the biopsy. Plavix® (clopidogrel) should be stopped five days before. Aspirin should be stopped seven days in advance to prevent bleeding after the biopsy.
- If you are taking insulin, take half of your normal dose in the morning.
- If you have allergies to latex, iodine, or any medicines, please tell our staff.
If you are having a Bone Biopsy that requires IV sedation
- Medicine is given through your IV for pain and to help you to relax.
- You will need to have someone drive you to and from the hospital.
- Stop eating and drinking six hours before the procedure.
- Take your prescribed medicines with a small sip of water on the day of the biopsy.
- If you are taking insulin, take half of your normal dose in the morning.
During the Biopsy
You may need to have your blood drawn to find out how thin your blood is.
The doctor will explain the procedure and inform you of the risks and benefits. You will then need to sign a consent.
Once you have given consent, you will be on a cart to the procedure room. A nurse and radiology technologist will be there to assist the doctor.
If IV sedation is needed, the nurse will place an IV in your vein to give you fluids and medicine for pain and to help you relax.
The area where the biopsy will be done will be cleaned with soap. The doctor will numb the skin where the biopsy is taken.
The doctor will then insert a needle through your skin into the bone or soft tissue where a sample will be removed. The doctor may do this a few times to make sure there are enough samples to study under the microscope.
After the Biopsy
A dressing will be applied to the site.
If you were given medicine for pain and to help you relax, you will be transferred to our recovery room where a nurse will check your vital signs and biopsy site for two hours. After the medicine has worn off you will be able to eat and drink.
You may feel a little sore. We suggest taking Tylenol® or your pain medicines. The soreness often lasts for 24 hours.
It’s okay to shower, but please no tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming for at least 3 days.
When to Call your Doctor
If the area around the biopsy site becomes red, swollen, has a foul smell, a white or yellowish (pus-like) discharge, becomes much more painful, or you have a fever greater than 100.4 ºF or 38ºC, please contact your doctor right away.
Phone Numbers
Musculoskeletal Nurse Coordinator: (608) 263-6871
After 5:00p.m. or weekends, call (608) 262-0486 and have the Bone Radiologist paged.
If you need to reschedule, call (608) 263-XRAY (9729) between 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
If you are in need of immediate help, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 06/19/2009
Copyright © 05/29/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6314
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