Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure where under local anesthesia a needle will be inserted to your body to obtain a tissue specimen that will be sent to the lab for analysis. This helps the caregiver to make a diagnosis, so they can plan the best treatment for you.
The radiologist performing the procedure will use Ultrasound or Computed Tomography to help visualize the lesion.
We would like to thank you for choosing to have your procedure done at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center. Our staff is looking forward to the opportunity to serve you and your family.
Before the Procedure
Once you arrive in your room you will be asked to put on a hospital gown. You will have blood drawn for labs and an IV will be started. A nurse may also perform a physical assessment.
One of our radiology nurses will come over to explain your procedure in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure is started.
Procedure
The procedure will be done in the radiology department. A registered x-ray technologist, a radiology nurse, and a radiologist will be in the room with you during your procedure.
The nurse will apply monitoring equipment to watch your vital signs during the procedure. Images will be taken to determine the site that would be best to biopsy.
You will be awake during the procedure; every effort will be made to keep you as comfortable as possible. Medications may be given for discomfort and anxiety.
After the Procedure
You will be brought back to your room. The nurse routinely checks your vital signs and monitors your procedure site. You will be on bed rest for a minimum of three to four hours before you are able to be discharged. Please plan on being here most of the day. Upon discharge you will be required to have someone available to drive you home.
Test results
You will need to make arrangements with your doctor to get your test results (follow-up doctor’s appointment, calling the doctor’s office, etc.). Test results return to physician’s office at different intervals so please allow five days before calling for results.
When to Come and Where to Go
Please arrive two hours prior to the time that your test is scheduled. Check in through the admitting department located at the Main Entrance (Entrance A). Admitting will then direct your room.
What to bring
Please bring a list of all of the medications you take, include the dose you take and how often you take them. Please include all over the counter medications on your list.
You may have had x-rays (x-rays, CT scans, MRIs) done at a hospital other than OSF Saint Joseph Medical Center. Please bring copies of the films or a CD with you the day of your test. You may also request that your doctor’s office send the films or results to us at the hospital before your test.
How to prepare for your procedure
You should have nothing to eat or drink eight hours prior to the test.
Medications¹
You may take medications with two to three sips of water, except for blood thinners.
Discontinue Blood thinners:
- For Aspirin, Aggrenox, NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve, Nuprin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc.) stop for three days prior to procedure.
- For Coumadin, Brilinta, Plavix, Ticlid stop for five days. You must contact your physician to discuss your needs during this time.
- For Effient or Pradaxa stop for seven days. You must contact your physician to discuss your needs during this time.
- For other blood thinners and questions, please contact your physician for instructions.
¹Before stopping any medications check with your physician to make sure it is OK to stop them!
Allergies
Inform the staff if you have a Latex allergy.
Pregnancy Testing Policy
It is the policy of OSF St. Joseph Medical Center to conduct pregnancy tests on all female patients having a CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Angiography, or X-ray exams of the pelvic/uterine area. This policy is to avoid potential harm to an unborn baby as a result of the radiation or medications given during the exam.
A pregnancy test is required prior to the procedures listed above and should be ordered by your physician if you are a female between the ages of 10 and 55 and if you have not had a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy. Home pregnancy tests are not acceptable.
If you know that you are pregnant please notify your physician.