A Patient's Guide to Fluoroscopic guided Biopsy / Aspiration

We require you to contact the department if any of the following apply to you, if the department is not contacted before the appointment and any are applicable to you the appointment may be cancelled:

• You are taking anti-coagulants (blood thinning medication) such as Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidgrel, Rivaroxaban or Apixaban
• If you have recently been diagnosed with a DVT or a suspected DVT and your medication is still ongoing.
• You are on or have recently been taken off Antibiotics
• If you have had a reaction to iodine-based dye (contrast) in the past
• You have a concern you may have an infection
• Any allergies to medications
• Severe needle phobia.

Contact number: 020 3947 0040

When coming to the department we advise you bring someone with you. You are not allowed to drive following the procedure. Please come to the X-ray department and book in at reception. You will be asked to take a seat. Be aware we run a busy service with multiple procedures, patients will be taken into separate rooms at different times.

You will be asked into the room where a radiographer / helper will help you change if required. They are there to help with the procedure and ensure you are at ease throughout. The radiologist will carry out the procedure once they have gained your written consent. If you have a latex allergy please inform the staff in the room.

The procedure is a simple fluoroscopy (x-ray) scan to start, which is to locate the area the sample needs to be taken from. A blunt metal pointer is used to help mark the area that needs to be injected. Once the correct position has been found the radiologist will use a marker pen to mark the injection site.

The main part of the procedure uses an aseptic (clean) technique which includes using a needle to obtain a small tissue / fluid sample.

Your skin will be washed and a sterile cover will be placed over the area of entry. Local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the area to be examined, which may sting for a couple of seconds before it goes numb. After this it is normal to feel some pressure during the procedure but it should not be too painful. The needle will be guided to the area of interest by the radiologist using the fluoroscopy machine for guidance. A tapping sensation may be felt while the biopsy is being taken. More than one sample is often required and a bit of discomfort is expected.

A dressing is used at the end of the procedure and needs to be kept clean and dry for 3 days.

You should rest for 1 to 2 days after the procedure and avoid strenuous activity for 5 days. Normal pain medication can be taken as usual although you may be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory tablets for a few days.

The samples extracted will be analysed in the lab and the results will typically be available for your consultant after 14 days. If you do not have a follow up please contact the consultant’s secretary using the main hospital switchboard on 020 3947 0100.

Medical help via your GP / local minor injuries unit should be sought if there are any signs of the following:

• Excessive bleeding from the site
• Increased pain, swelling, redness or warmth
• Swelling in the neck, armpit or groin
• Fever / chills

If you are unable to attend this appointment please let the department know ASAP, the appointment can be used by another patient.

• X-Ray / Ultrasound MRI / CT / Nuclear Medicine: 020 3947 0040
• DXA: 020 8909 5476
• Pre operative assessment: 020 8909 5630