Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy

This leaflet tells you about the procedure known as ‘fine needle aspiration biopsy’. It explains what is involved and what the possible risks are. 

What is ‘fine needle aspiration biopsy’? 

A fine needle aspiration biopsy is a simple procedure that involves passing a fine needle through the skin to sample fluid or tissue from a cyst or a solid mass. 

Who will be performing the procedure? 

A doctor called a radiologist who has been specially trained in using an ultrasound machine will undertake your procedure. 

Where will the procedure take place? 

In the x-ray department in an ultrasound room or a ‘special procedures’ room with an ultrasound machine. 

Is there any preparation? 

You are not required to stop taking any medications for this procedure. You can eat and drink as normal. We ask you to wear clothing which is easily moved to access the area being biopsied. 

Consent 

The radiologist will explain all the risks, benefits and alternatives before asking you to sign a consent form. If you are unsure about any aspect of the treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask questions.  

What happens during the fine needle aspiration biopsy? 

The radiologist will explain the procedure to you before starting. 

You will be asked to lie on an x-ray couch and a pre-liminary ultrasound scan will be taken of the area to check it is appropriate to continue.  

If the radiologist deems the FNA to be required, he will then clean the skin with antiseptic to help avoid infection.   

We will keep everything as sterile as possible; you may have part of your body covered with a sterile towel. The radiologist will examine the area and determine the best position to place the needle by using the ultrasound machine. The radiologist may take several samples; a small plaster will be placed over the biopsy site at the end.

How long will it take?

Every patient’s situation is different, and it is not always easy to predict how difficult the procedure will be. The biopsy may take about 30 minutes.

Will it hurt?

A local anaesthetic is not usually required for a fine needle aspiration, as the procedure should not be painful.  If you do experience some discomfort, please inform the radiologist. Over the counter pain relief can be taken pre and post procedure, should you feel you need to. Please follow the instructions on the box for this. 

What happens afterwards?

You will need to remain in the department for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure; you will be offered a drink and light refreshments.  When you have fully recovered, you will be able to be discharged. 

You will not get the results of your biopsy before you leave, as it takes a few days to do the necessary tests on the biopsy specimen. 

After care advice

If possible, arrange for someone to collect you from hospital

The next day, you may have a bath or shower, removing any plasters.

Please contact your GP (home doctor) if:

• there is unusual redness, swelling or bleeding at the biopsy site
• your temperature is 38°C (100.4F) or greater
• pain that is not relieved with paracetamol.

Follow-up

Your referring consultant or a member of their team will see you in clinic approximately two to four weeks after the procedure.

What are the risks and complications?

There are generally no complications with this procedure, though you may experience some tenderness or bruising over the needle insertion site. 

Occasionally, despite taking every possible care, the piece of tissue obtained is not from the affected area, or it may not be enough for the pathologist to make a definite diagnosis.  In these cases, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure. 

Finally

We hope that you have found this leaflet useful. If you have any questions or you are worried about anything please discuss it with your referring consultant, your family doctor (GP) or the radiology sister on 01305 255276.

Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the procedure, before you sign the consent form.

Out of hours, if you require further advice following an injection of contrast agent, please contact your GP or Emergency Department.   

You can also contact NHS direct 24 hours a day on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

About this leaflet

Author: Michelle De La Haye, Radiography Sister
Written: August 2018
Updated and approved: July 2025
Review date: July 2028
Edition: v4

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk