CT Guided Biopsy in Radiology
Your doctor has scheduled a ____________________________biopsy to be done by our Radiologists on ________________at_______ ( ) am, ( ) pm.
Take the Atrium elevators to the 3rd floor and check in at the Radiology Desk in G3/3 at __________ ( ) am, ( ) pm.
What is a Biopsy Done by CT?
A biopsy removes a small tissue sample. The procedure is done with the use of fluoroscopy and/or computerized axial tomography (also called a CAT or CT scan). You will be on a regular CT table for the procedure. If ultrasound is also used, a portable machine will be brought in to the CT room.
How to Prepare for the Biopsy
- Before the procedure, you will need lab work done that tests how well your blood clots. The two lab results we will need are a Platelet Count and an INR. It is helpful if you have these tests done ahead of your procedure day. Have the results faxed to attn: RN at 608-265-8637. You can also visit our lab one hour ahead of your arrival time. Let us know if you plan to do this so we can ask that your IV be left in. Lab results need to be done within 6 months unless they are abnormal or you are on blood thinners.
- If you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin® (warfarin), heparin, or Plavix®, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin daily, someone from Radiology will talk with your doctor. We will decide together about when you should stop taking the blood thinner and when you should start again. We will check with your doctor about whether or not you will need special coverage for the 5-7 days you will be off your blood thinner. Either we or your doctor’s office will get in touch with you about when to stop and re-start your medicine.
- Since we give a mild sedative with this procedure please plan to have someone drive you home.
- Stop eating 6 hours _________ before the procedure.
You may drink clear liquids until 2 hours _________ before the procedure. This includes black coffee or tea, water, and juices without pulp that you can see through. - Take your usual prescription medicines with a sip or two of water.
- If you have Diabetes and take insulin, please take your insulin as recommended by the list below. Call us or your own doctor if you have any questions about this.
Regular,
|
Hold scheduled dose |
| NPH | If normally taken in the morning, take ½ your regular dose.
|
| Glargine/Lantus | Take your usual dose |
Take your oral diabetic medicines as usual. We will check your blood sugar in the prep area after you arrive.
During the Biopsy
Be sure to tell the radiologists if you have any allergies to contrast dye, antibiotics, anesthetic agents, latex, or other medicines. Tell the radiologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started to give you fluids during the procedure. Medicine to relax you is given through the IV.
After review of your x-rays and the first scans in the CT scanner, the Radiologists will mark the site. After marking this site, the skin will be cleaned with soap. The skin around the needle site will be numbed so you will have little pain. Most patients will feel a little pressure.
The tissue sample is taken using a needle inserted through the skin into the site. Several samples are usually taken. The tissue sample is examined under a microscope. Most often, the doctors wait for the pathologist to tell them if they have enough cells for an accurate exam before ending the biopsy. Results are often ready after 48 hours.
After the Biopsy
A bandage will be put on the site. You will remain in bed for 1 to 2 hours. During this time you may get up to use the bathroom. Call the nurse for help. Your pulse, blood pressure, and site will be checked often the 1st hour. After 2 to 4 hours, you will be able to go home if there are no problems.
After the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel some pain at the site. Your pain should not be severe, but patients have described it as “somewhat sore”. No medicines are prescribed. If you have pain at the site, we suggest the use of Tylenol®, Motrin®, or any other medicine that you would use for a headache. The pain should go away within the first 24 hours.
You will not be able to eat or drink for 1 hour.
Tell the nurse if you have new pain, nausea, vomiting, or chills.
Your Care at Home
- You may eat or drink what you like once you are home.
- For the first 24 hours
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Rest and take it easy.
- Do not lift greater than 10 pounds.
- After 24 hours
- Resume your normal routine.
- You may shower.
- You may remove the bandage over the site the next morning.
When to Call the Doctor
- If you have more than a teaspoon of bleeding at the site.
- If you feel dizzy, faint, or lightheaded.
- If any pain or redness at the site gets worse after 2-3 days instead of better.
- If you have a temperature greater than 100.4 F (38.0 C).
Phone Numbers
If you have any questions, please call the CT nurse coordinator at 608-263-0693 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the phone number above.
Evenings and weekends call your local doctor or go to your local emergency room. Let them know you had a biopsy done.
Your primary doctor or the doctor who ordered the procedure will discuss the results with you when they are available. Results may be available within 2 working days.
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: 07/14/2011
Copyright © 07/14/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6960
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