FNA and Core Biopsy Procedure in Perth
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and Core Biopsy are essential diagnostic procedures offered by skilled interventional radiologists in Perth, including Dr. Mark Hamlin. These procedures are used to obtain tissue samples from suspicious growths or abnormalities, helping to diagnose medical conditions.
What is an FNA?
A Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy is a simple procedure that involves passing thin needle through the skin to sample fluid or tissue from a cyst or solid mass. An FNA performed under ultrasound or CT guidance has the advantage of being minimally invasive. We significantly reduce indeterminate findings through our pathology provider's on-site cytology services. This helps to ensure that a sufficient sample has been achieved through FNA, reducing the need to have a core biopsy or excision biopsy.
What is a Core Biopsy?
A Core Biopsy may be necessary when a larger sample is required. A different type of needle is used, and it involves making a small incision (cut) in the skin.
On-site cytology services*
We also offer immediate on-site cytology one day a week. This allows samples to be assessed immediately by a technician. This may eliminate the need for a repeat procedure to be performed.
*applicable at our Claremont clinic only
Body Areas
We perform FNA and Core Biopsies on most requested body sites, including and not limited to:
- Lump module
- Lymph Node
- Lung
- Liver
- Thyroid
- Breast
- Kidney
Patient preparation
In certain circumstances, you may also be required to stop taking blood-thining medications such as Aspirin, and depending on the part of your body to be sampled, you may be required to refrain from eating or drinking for a period of time before your appointment. We advise that you confirm with your doctor if these steps apply to you.
Who will be performing the procedure? All FNA and Core Biopsies are performed under Ultrasound or CT guidance for pinpoint accuracy by one of our highly trained interventional radiologists ensuring you get the highest quality care.
Please bring any previous imaging with you to your appointment. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask us.
Procedure risks
As with any surgical procedure, complications are possible. A needle aspiration biopsy is safe and less traumatic than and open surgical biopsy, and significant complications are usually rare, depending on the body site. Common complications include bruising and soreness. Uncommon complications could include infection and bleeding.
After the procedure
If your are experiencing any swelling or mild pain, you may use an ice pack or over-the- counter pain medication (apart from Aspirin) to aid relief. Also, we advise you to refrain from any strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Bookings
Bookings are required for this procedure.
Results
Results will be delivered back to your referring doctor directly by a pathology provider. Please book a follow-up appointment with your referring doctor to discuss your results.