Lung Biopsy

Biopsy, Lung

How To Prepare

You will be asked to sign a consent form before a lung biopsy. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the biopsy, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of the biopsy, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).

Before you have a lung biopsy, tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking any medications.
• Are allergic to any medications, including anesthetics.
• Have had bleeding problems or take blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
• Are or might be pregnant.

Your doctor may order certain blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) and bleeding factors, before your lung biopsy.

Do not eat or drink for 8 to 10 hours before the biopsy.

Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure if you do not need to stay in the hospital.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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