After having a biopsy
Biopsy in the interventional radiology department
A biopsy is when we take a small sample of body tissue and send it to be tested in a laboratory. In the interventional radiology (IR) department, we do a biopsy using guidance from an ultrasound or CT scan.
What happens after the procedure
You typically need to stay in hospital for 2 to 4 hours after a biopsy. We can then monitor you closely. A nurse explains when you can eat and drink after your procedure.
If all your checks are fine, you can usually go home on the same day.
When you go home
Here are some tips to help you when you go home after having a biopsy:
Do
- ask a responsible adult to take you home by car or taxi and stay with you overnight while you recover
- call 020 7188 2888 (Monday to Friday, 7:45am to 7pm) if you need to arrange hospital transport to take you home
- take your usual painkillers like paracetamol if you feel any discomfort and follow the instructions on the packet
- continue taking your usual medicines, as prescribed
- keep the small dressing covering the wound clean and dry for 48 hours
- remove the small dressing after 48 hours
Don't
- do not use public transport to travel home in case you feel unwell
- do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure and not until you feel safe to drive again
- do not have a shower until 24 hours after the procedure or a bath until 48 hours afterwards
Your activity levels
It is best not to walk too much on the day of the biopsy. You need to avoid any exercise or activity that involves a lot of effort or energy, and heavy lifting, for 48 hours.
We recommend that you increase your activity levels gradually after the procedure. You may need to take 1 or 2 days off work, depending on if your job is physical.
When you feel more comfortable, you can resume any sports or heavy activities carefully.
If you have any concerning symptoms
After your procedure, it is important to check the area where we put in the needle (the biopsy site) regularly. This area might feel uncomfortable for 24 to 48 hours, but you can take your usual painkillers like paracetamol.
You might notice bruising at the biopsy site. Some bruising is common after the procedure and there is no need to worry about this.
Bleeding or swelling is rare, but if it does happen:
- lie down
- put pressure directly on the biopsy site for 10 minutes
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- the bleeding or swelling at the biopsy site continues after 10 minutes
- the whole muscle is very swollen and uncomfortable
Contact a GP urgently, call 111 or go to A&E if:
- the biopsy site is still painful more than 3 days after the procedure and pain medicine does not help
- the biopsy site is red or inflamed (the redness might be harder to notice on brown or black skin)
- fluid keeps oozing from the biopsy site
- you have a high temperature (fever)
Resource number: 3006/VER5
Last reviewed: May 2024
Next review due: May 2027
A list of sources is available on request.
