CT Guided Biopsy

This leaflet explains the procedure, what is involved and the possible risks. It is important that you feel that you have had enough information before you sign the consent form and undergo the procedure.

This leaflet does not replace the discussion with your doctor, but will hopefully help you to have a more informed discussion.

What is a CT guided biopsy?

A CT guided biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is taken using a special needle inserted through the skin. It is done by a radiologist in medical imaging, who uses CT imaging to make sure that the biopsy is taken as safely as possible, from the right area. A pathologist then looks at the sample under a microscope to make a diagnosis.

Are there alternatives?

If your doctors think a tissue sample is needed to help diagnosis, a biopsy is often the quickest and safest method of doing it. Sometimes an operation could be carried out, but this is a bigger, more complicated procedure.

What do I have to do before my test?

If you are not already in hospital, you will receive an appointment letter that will tell you which ward to report to, and at what time. You will probably be able to go home on the same day as your procedure. Occasionally, some people have to stay overnight, so you should bring some overnight clothes and toiletries.

On the morning of your biopsy you may have a light breakfast before coming to hospital. You should take your normal tablets and medication, unless we have told you otherwise.

It is very important that you have satisfactory blood tests, that you are not anaemic and that your blood clotting is normal. These will be be checked before the procedure and if they are abnormal you may need to receive some special medication or a blood transfusion.

If you are taking medication to thin your blood such as warfarin, rivaroxaban or clopidogrel, you may be asked to stop these several days before the biopsy procedure.

Are there any risks?

While there may be some discomfort, it is rare to have any significant problems. There is a very small chance of bleeding, or damage to other structures, such as bowel or other organs. In the unlikely event of there being a serious complication, a further procedure such as an operation or blood transfusion may be needed.

If you have an injection of contrast agent (dye) during the examination, there is a low risk of the contrast agent leaking into the skin around where the cannula has been inserted. This may cause localised swelling and/or pain. The swelling will normally resolve within 24 hours, but on rare occasions may require alternative treatment.

As with any drug there is a low risk of you being allergic to it. This can be in the form of an itchy rash which may be treated with anti-allergy (antihistamine) medication. Please contact us if you have previously had an allergic reaction to any contrast agents.

What happens during my CT guided biopsy?

A short CT scan will be taken with some metal strips on your skin to identify the best place to take the sample. A small pen mark will be made and the skin cleaned with cold cleaning fluid. Sterile drapes will be placed over you. You will be given an injection of local anaesthetic to make the area numb. Once this has taken effect, a small cut is made in the skin to allow the biopsy needle to pass through. The biopsy needle is inserted through the skin into the body while looking with the CT and at least one, sometimes more, samples are taken. Each time a sample is taken, there is a noise a bit like a stapler clicking. The whole procedure normally takes no more than 30 minutes.

How do I get my results?

Your consultant will receive the result. You may have already made a follow-up appointment with the consultant but, if not, an appointment will be sent through the post.

What happens after the test?

You will be kept under close observation on the ward to monitor for complications. You may need to lie flat for a few hours.

If you need to contact us

If you need to change your appointment, request an interpreter or need advice, contact us on 01274 365499. The office is open between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday but not Bank Holidays.