Image (CT or ultrasound) guided biopsies are not performed within our surgery or by our doctors. Occasionally your doctor may organise for you to have your pleural fluid drained at a radiology service. Please check with the radiology provider you have been referred to for specific instructions about preparation.
In general, you will be required to have a copy of your CT scan on a CD or USB with the DICOM images, so the interventional radiologist doing the procedure can see where the target lesion or fluid is. You will need to drop off these scans to the radiology provider performing the biopsy ahead of time so that your procedure can be planned properly. If you do not have these images, you may at times be required to repeat a CT scan at the practice that is performing the biopsy or fluid drainage.
You may sometimes be required to undertake further blood tests, to ensure you are not at increased risk of bleeding during the biopsy or fluid drainage.
If you are on blood thinning medications, please check with your referring doctor (or the radiology provider) regarding how long you will need to stop these for prior to your procedure. You will be advised following the procedure when it is safe to restart medications. Examples of these medications can include Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticagrelor, Asasantin, Clexane, Apixaban, Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Warfarin.
You may be required to fast for the procedure. Please check with the radiology provider about the duration of fasting required prior to the procedure.
It is advisable to always to attend with a friend or relative that can assist you with transport home.
