Needle Biopsy/Aspiration

Your physician has referred you to the Diagnostic Services Department at United Hospital Center for a Needle Biopsy or Aspiration.

A Needle Biopsy or Aspiration is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into an organ or cavity to obtain tissue or fluid for laboratory study. A local anesthetic (numbing) is used to make the procedure tolerable.

There are risks involved in this procedure, such as infection, bleeding, shock, and possible collapsed lung and/or puncture of other organs in that area. Your physician feels the benefits of this procedure outweigh the risks and would aid in the diagnosis of your medical condition.

If you are currently not a patient in the hospital, you will be asked to report to the hospital registration department two hours prior to your scheduled exam. After registration, you will be escorted to a hospital room where you will be prepared for the exam. An intravenous (IV) line may be inserted into a vein in your arm.

Please DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight of the day of your scheduled exam. However, you may take your medications with small sips of water, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort, so if you are an outpatient, you may wish to have a friend or family member transport you home.

LENGTH: Approximately 1 hour

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, tell your doctor and the technologist BEFORE your exam.