Biopsies & Aspirations

Biopsies is a procedure in which samples of tissue (core) or fluid (aspiration) are taken through a needle and sometimes under local anaesthetic. This may be performed using ultrasound guidance or CT (Computed Tomography) scan.

The radiologist will insert a needle to take a sample of cells, which are then sent to a pathology laboratory where a specialist pathology doctor will interpret the specimen. The pathology report will be sent to your referring doctor who will then convey these results to you.

No preparation is required.

Anticoagulants – If you take blood thinners such as Warfarin or Aspirin you may need to stop this medication prior to the procedure. Please discuss this with your doctor and inform us when you make your appointment.

Heart valve replacement – If you have a heart valve replacement, please discuss this with your doctor and inform us when you make your appointment.

The procedure may be undertaken using either ultrasound or CT to localise the biopsies site.

Our radiologist will discuss the procedure and associated risks with you. The area to be biopsied will be checked and an area of skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic.

The radiologist may inject a local anaesthetic to numb the skin, and insert a needle to obtain some tissue. Several samples of tissue may be required.

The sample(s) will be sent to Pathology for study and the pathologist will send a report to your referring doctor. This usually takes two to four days.

Depending on the area biopsied you may be required to have an x-ray immediately after the biopsy. You may then be observed in our clinic for up to four hours.

The whole procedure will take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.

Aspiration is a medical procedure in which samples of fluid are taken through a needle and sometimes under local anaesthetic. The radiologist will insert a needle to take a sample of cells, which are then sent to a pathology laboratory where a specialist pathology doctor will interpret the specimen.

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which samples of body substances are taken through a needle and then sent to a pathologist to study. An aspiration is a type of biopsy performed on samples of body fluids.

Bone marrow aspiration is a medical procedure in which samples of the liquid part of the soft tissue inside your bones are taken through a needle. While bone marrow aspiration can be done during surgery, it is usually performed with a special biopsy needle, and therefore not considered surgery.

Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are rather quick procedures used to extract and examine bone marrow samples. During the procedure you may feel a brief sharp pain or stinging.