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Biopsy / FNAC / Core Biopsy

What to Bring, How to Prepare, and What to Expect

A biopsy helps confirm diagnosis by testing a small tissue/sample. Depending on your case, the doctor may advise FNAC, Core Biopsy, or another biopsy type.

What to Bring (Checklist)

Reports & scans

  • Doctor’s advice/prescription for biopsy (if given)
  • Relevant scan reports (USG/CT/MRI/PET-CT) + CDs/links if available
  • All previous reports (biopsy if already done elsewhere, blood reports, discharge summaries)

Medicines & important health info (must tell our team)

  • List/photos of all current medicines
  • Blood thinners (very important): Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, etc.
  • Diabetes/BP/heart disease/asthma history
  • Any bleeding disorder history or low platelets history
  • Allergy history (medicines/latex/local anaesthetic if known)

Admin

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance/scheme details (if applicable)

Before the Procedure (Preparation)

A) Fasting (only if sedation is planned)

  • Many FNAC/Core biopsies are done with local anaesthesia and may not require fasting.
  • If sedation is planned: usually 6–8 hours fasting (food) and clear instructions for water will be given.

B) Blood thinners / aspirin (do not stop on your own)

  • Do not stop aspirin or blood thinners without medical instruction.
  • Our team will tell you whether and when to stop, based on your heart/medical condition and biopsy type.

C) Pre-biopsy blood tests (if advised)

  • Some cases need tests like CBC/platelets, PT/INR before biopsy for safety.

D) Clothing & comfort

  • Wear comfortable clothes; avoid jewellery near the biopsy site.

What to Expect (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Registration + consent

  • Your details are verified and consent is taken.

Step 2: Pre-checks

  • Vitals check.
  • Review of medicines (especially blood thinners) and reports.
  • If required, blood tests may be checked.

Step 3: Local anaesthesia

  • The area is cleaned and numbed with local anaesthetic.
  • You may feel a small prick and mild pressure.

Step 4: Sampling

  • FNAC: Thin needle sample (quick, usually a few minutes).
  • Core Biopsy: Slightly thicker needle for a tissue core (may take a bit longer).
  • Often done under ultrasound/CT guidance for accuracy.

Step 5: Dressing + observation

  • A small dressing is applied.
  • You may be observed for a short time, especially if it was a deeper biopsy.

After the Biopsy (Care at Home)

Do’s

  • Keep the dressing clean and dry for the advised period
  • Rest for the day (especially if a deep biopsy was done)
  • Take only doctor-advised pain medicines

Don’ts

  • Avoid heavy lifting/exercise for 24–48 hours (or as advised)
  • Do not wet/scrub the biopsy area immediately (follow dressing instructions)
  • Do not take aspirin/blood thinners again unless your doctor/team confirms timing

When to Call Us Immediately / Come to Casualty

  • Continuous bleeding soaking the dressing
  • Increasing swelling, severe pain, or expanding bruise
  • Fever, pus/discharge, redness/warmth at site
  • Breathlessness, dizziness, fainting

Report Timelines (Safe Range)

  • FNAC report: commonly 1–3 working days
  • Core biopsy / histopathology: commonly 3–7 working days
  • If special tests are needed (IHC/markers): may take additional days
    (Exact timing depends on the sample type and tests required. Your team will confirm.)

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