A biopsy (BYE-op-see) is removal of a small piece of
tissue for study in a laboratory.
Risks
There will be a small amount of
bleeding and a slight possibility of infection.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Before You Go
Tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin or a
medicine to thin your blood.
Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on your
heart.
Eat a light meal shortly before your
biopsy.
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay:
Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your
temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your
heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A
stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your
blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
During the Biopsy...
You will need to lie still and move as little as
possible. Your doctor will give you numbing medicine, so
you will feel little pain. The area where the tissue
(skin) is to be removed will be washed with soap and
water.
Your doctor will carefully remove the tissue and
send it to the lab for tests. Sutures (stitches) may be
used to close the wound. A bandage will be put on the
wound.
The skin biopsy may take about 15 to 30
minutes.
After You Leave
Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours. Do not
shower without covering the wound.
Cover the incision site with a sterile bandage or
gauze dressing for 1 to 2 days.
Your doctor will tell you when to return to have your
stitches taken out.
You may resume normal activities and begin eating and
drinking as soon as you feel up to it.
Call Your Doctor If...
The area of the biopsy is red and
tender.
There is any more bleeding than a spot on the
bandage.
You have severe pain in the area of the biopsy for
more than 24 hours.
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