biopsy What It Is
A biopsy is a test that's performed to examine tissue or cells from a part of the body. It can be done by cutting or scraping a small piece of the tissue or by withdrawing a sample of tissue with a needle and syringe.
Sometimes, needle biopsies are done in a radiology department so the tissue can be seen with an ultrasound or CAT scan (also called a CT scan or computed axial tomography scan) to show exactly where to insert the needle.
Other biopsies may be done by inserting a tiny telescope into the body, such as an endoscope into the esophagus and stomach, or a laparoscope into the belly. Other times, surgery might be required to reach an organ that needs to be biopsied (called an open biopsy).
Why It's Done
Doctors order biopsies when they're concerned about a problem in a particular organ. A biopsy is performed to look for a disease or condition such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Some commonly biopsied organs include bone marrow, liver, kidney lymph nodes, skin, esophagus, stomach and other parts of the digestive tract, and muscle tissue.
Preparation
After the procedure is explained to you, you'll have time to get all of your questions answered. You'll then be asked to sign an informed consent form — this states that you understand the procedure and its risks and alternatives and give your permission for it to be performed.
The person doing the biopsy will know your child's medical history, but might ask additional questions, such as what medicines your child is taking or whether your child has any allergies. Be sure to report any bleeding tendencies in your child, and whether your daughter might be pregnant.
Some biopsies require only local anesthesia. Others require sedation or general anesthesia. If that's the case, your child will need to stop eating and drinking at a certain point before the procedure to make sure his or her stomach is empty. Sedation and anesthesia medications are given through an IV line (intravenous tube) to help your child stay asleep during the entire test.
Depending on the procedure, you might be able to stay in the room with your child during the procedure for reassurance and support or you might need to step outside to a waiting area.
source:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/biopsy.html
