Patient Instructions - Thyroid Biopsy

A thyroid biopsy is performed to obtain a specimen of the thyroid tissue so the lab can evaluate it.

Before your Procedure

• Certain medications may increase your risk of bleeding and may need to be held prior to your procedure. You may resume these medications the day after your procedure unless otherwise instructed.

During your Procedure

• Ultrasound is used to locate the thyroid nodule prior to being biopsied. A radiologist is the doctor who performs the biopsy.

• The patient will lie on his or her back.

• An alcohol solution will be usd to clean the skin surface to sterilize the neck.

• Sterile drapes will be used to maintain a sterile/clean field around the neck.

• The radiologist will then use local anesthesia to numb the skin.

• During the biopsy, the skin is numbed with local anesthesia.

• Ultrasound is used to guide the placement of the needle into the thyroid nodule.

• Several samples are taken for analysis.

• The tissue will be sent to the Laboratory to determine a diagnosis.

• Length of the examination is 60 minutes.

After your Procedure

• Most people can return to work or daily routine the same day, however, avoid any vigorous physical activity for 24 hours.

• Your physician will contact you to discuss the results in approximately 3-4 days after the biopsy.

• If you have not heard the results after the 4th day, please contact your doctor’s office.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your provider.