What is an image guided biopsy?
An image-guided biopsy aims to provide diagnosis or assessment of treatment effect. The procedure is usually performed by an interventional radiologist. Under image navigation, a small piece of tissue is obtained from the body using special needles. An image guided biopsy can be obtained from nearly any part of the body. The tissue sample will usually be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Genetic tests may also be performed on the tissue obtained.
How is a biopsy performed?
A variety of imaging tools, including ultrasound, CT, MRI and/or fluoroscopy, may be used to help place the needle precisely in the area that requires sampling. This depends on the location and nature of the lesion.
Most biopsy procedures are performed under local anaesthesia (or conscious sedation), so you will be awake but feel no pain. You may be asked to take antibiotics beforehand to reduce the risk of infection or stop certain blood thinning medications. You will lie down for the procedure – the exact position you will be asked to lie in depends on the access route that is used to safely approach the lesion.
An image-guided biopsy can be performed as an in-patient or out-patient procedure. The site of biopsy site and your vital signs will be monitored for 4-6 hours following the procedure. If you undergo a lung biopsy, you will be given a chest X-ray 4 hours after the procedure to ensure that no air has been trapped in the cavity between your chest wall and your lungs. In most cases, you will be allowed to drink water a few hours after the biopsy procedure.
