In general, you should have nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to your biopsy. However, you may take your routine medications with sips of water. If you are diabetic and take insulin, you should talk to your doctor; who will probably have you adjust your usual insulin dose.

Prior to a needle biopsy, you should report to your physician all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements. It is especially important to let your physician know if you are taking medications that may cause you to bleed, such as aspirin or other blood thinners. You may need to stop using these medications for several days prior to your biopsy.

You should have a friend, spouse and/or relative accompany you to the hospital and provide transportation home following the procedure.

The patient may be asked to:

• Stop taking aspirin 7 days before the biopsy;
• Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, 3 days before the test; and
• Fast for 8 hours before the biopsy.
• Have a responsible adult to drive you home and spend the night with you

In after the biopsy, pressure is applied on the insertion site for up to 15 minutes to allow the puncture area to close and prevent bleeding.

After a drainage procedure there may be a drainage catheter (tube) left in place. Care of this tube will be reviewed with you prior to you going home.

Percutaneous biopsy or drainage. Minor complications include pain and bruising.

The following serious complications occur in less than 1 percent of biopsies:

• Hemorrhage
• Sepsis;
• Pneumothorax, hemothorax, or emphysema; and
• Death.

If the patient has severe, persistent pain or otherwise suspects a complication, he or she should alert the physician immediately.