What is a CT guided biopsy?

A CT guided Biopsy uses a needle to collect small tissue samples from organs. These samples are analysed to quickly diagnose cancer and other conditions. The information gained from these biopsies is critical to determining what treatments are best for patients and allow your primary care provider to formulate a personalised care plan.

 

Understanding your procedure

Before your CT Biopsy:

  • You may need a blood test in the days prior to assess your kidney function and how your blood clots.
  • You may be asked to fast prior to your procedure.   
  • You may be asked to either take or avoid certain medications.   
  • Please let us know if you:  
    - Are pregnant.  
    - Have any allergies.  
    - Suffer from any ongoing illnesses including diabetes.  
    - Are taking any medication including blood thinners such as Warfarin.  

 

On the day of your CT Biopsy:

  • When you arrive, please check in with reception. We’ll make sure your details are correct and ask you to complete any appropriate forms. 
  • You will be taken to your procedure room and our radiologist will explain the procedure and ask for your consent.

 

During your CT Biopsy:

  • We may need to use an IV line to supply fluid and medication during your procedure.
  • You will be given anaesthetic to maintain your comfort and remove any potential pain. This could be a local, partial or full anaesthetic.
  • You will be asked to lie on the CT scanning table while we do a preliminary scan of your internal organs. 
  • These CT images are used by our radiologist to accurately insert the biopsy needle. 
  • We make a mark on your skin at the biopsy site and inject the site with numbing medication. 
  • The needle is then passed into the organ, where samples of abnormal tissue are removed.

 

After your procedure:

  • When your CT guided biopsy is complete, we remove the needle and apply pressure to the site to stop bleeding. 
  • Depending on the procedure, you will be transferred to a recovery ward, and monitored for up to four hours or until the anaesthetic wears off.
  • We may take an x-ray to ensure everything looks good.
  • You will likely be fine to return home on the same day as your biopsy. 
  • You may experience pain from the biopsy site.

Frequently asked questions

If you have an abnormal area in your body that needs to be investigated, a CT guided biopsy may be recommended by your doctor or by one of our radiologists.

  • This procedure supplies your referring doctor with valuable information to diagnose your condition and plan your treatment without the need for open surgery.
  • Quick, accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  • There are minimal side effects and risks with CT Biopsy. 

  • Lungs.
  • Kidneys.
  • Bone.
  • Retroperitoneal.

There are some possible complications from a CT guided Biopsy. These include:

  • Bleeding.
  • Pain or swelling at the biopsy site. 
  • Infection.
  • Injury to surrounding tissues.
  • Risks of sedation using anaesthesia.

Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two support people with you to your appointment. If you require more than two, please contact us so we can work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. 

Support people usually cannot enter the procedure room. 

Please note: for some examinations, a support person may not be able to enter the scan room for safety, privacy or clinical reasons. Our team will talk you through this if it applies to your appointment.

If you need to bring children, please make sure another responsible adult comes with you to supervise them throughout your appointment. Our team need to focus on your care and cannot supervise children.  

If arranging childcare is difficult, please contact us before your appointment. We will do our best to find an option that works for you, so childcare does not prevent you from receiving care. 

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touch