How Do I Prepare for a Biopsy Procedure?

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.