We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Prepare for a Biopsy Procedure?

A.E. Freeman
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,496
Share

How you prepare for a biopsy procedure depends in part on the type of biopsy you will undergo. You will have to make certain preparations for a biopsy that requires anesthesia, such as securing a ride home from the hospital, that you will not need for a biopsy procedure during which you are awake. As some medications may interact with the procedure or be dangerous if taken when you have a biopsy, you should let your doctor know about any medicines you are on well in advance. Also inform your doctor of any allergies you have.

If you take a blood thinning medicine, such as warfarin, you usually need to let your doctor know before a biopsy procedure. Generally, you should stop taking blood thinners about a week before the procedure, as you need to have your blood clot to prevent excessive bleeding during a biopsy. Other medications you should inform your doctor about include aspirin, which also thins the blood, other pain relievers, and insulin. You will most likely be able to take other medicines on the day of the biopsy, but should check with your doctor first.

To prepare for a biopsy procedure, you should also tell your doctor about any allergies you experience. You may be allergic to an ingredient in the anesthetic, for example, and your doctor needs to be aware of that. Ideally, you should be able to describe the type of allergic reaction you have and whether you react to a food or medication or experience seasonal allergies.

If the biopsy procedure requires you to undergo general anesthesia, you need to make arrangements before the procedure for a ride home. You will not be able to drive yourself home or take public transportation by yourself after coming out of the anesthesia. Many hospitals will not perform the biopsy if you do not have a person to accompany you home.

You have to be careful about when and what you eat and drink before a procedure that requires anesthesia as well. Usually, you will need to abstain from eating or drinking for 10 hours or a day before the biopsy. There are some exceptions, however. You may be able to take certain medications with a small amount of water the day of, for example.

Depending on the type of biopsy procedure, you will need to take off certain objects before it begins. Remove any dentures before a biopsy of the thyroid, for example. Some biopsies are done using an MRI, which means you need to remove any metal. If you have metal in your body or a pacemaker, you need to tell your doctor before the biopsy begins.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
A.E. Freeman
By A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and retention. With a background in the arts, she combines her writing prowess with best practices to deliver compelling content across various domains and effectively connect with target audiences.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman
Amy Freeman, a freelance copywriter and content creator, makes engaging copy that drives customer acquisition and...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-prepare-for-a-biopsy-procedure.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.