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How you prepare
By Mayo Clinic staffMost needle biopsy procedures don't require any preparation on your part. However, you may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, in the days before your biopsy. Depending on what part of your body will be biopsied, your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink before the procedure. Ask your doctor whether either applies to you.
Preparing for sedation or general anesthesia
In certain cases, you may receive intravenous (IV) sedatives or general anesthetics before your needle biopsy. If this is the case, your doctor may ask that you fast the day before your procedure. Tell your doctor about any medications you're taking, as you may need to stop taking certain medications before undergoing anesthesia.
You won't be able to return to work immediately if your needle biopsy is done under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on your duties, you may be able to return to work in 24 hours. Talk to your doctor about when it's safe to return to work.
Make arrangements or ask friends or family to:
- Drive you home
- Stay with you for 24 hours
- Help with household chores for a day or two
- Biopsy - What to expect. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Treatments%2C+Tests%2C+and+Procedures/Biopsy%26mdash%3BWhat+to+Expect. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Warner WC. Neuromuscular disorders. In: Canale TS, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/203316557-3/0/1584/0.html. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Gogna A, et al. Image-guided musculoskeletal biopsy. Radiologic Clinics of North America. 2008;46:455.
- Bravo A, et al. Percutaneous liver biopsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Minai OA, et al. Transbronchial needle aspiration. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Whittier WL, et al. Indications for and complications of renal biopsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Things you should know before surgery. American Society of Anesthesiologists. http://www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com/ArticlePage.aspx?ID=38a06e24-c3a2-451b-b487-af08792e2110&LandingID=29d0791e-005b-40dd-be33-05b988b17619. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Esserman LJ, et al. Breast biopsy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Testing biopsy and cytology specimens for cancer. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_2_3X_Testing_Biopsy_and_Cytology_Specimens_for_Cancer.asp?sitearea=PED. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 13, 2010.
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