MR Guided Breast Biopsy Procedure Information
Your doctor has requested an MRI-guided breast biopsy. The goal of a biopsy is to remove a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. A biopsy can help diagnose abnormalities such as infection, inflammation or malignancy. During your biopsy, an imaging physician will use an MRI scanner to accurately guide a needle to the biopsy site. The needle will then be used to remove a tissue sample. At the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center a highly-trained medical team will oversee your procedure. This team will include an imaging physician and an imaging technologist.
Why Choose the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center for a biopsy?
Before Arriving for Your Exam
You can print and fill out the MRI Questionnaire and the MRI and Pregnancy form, if applicable, before arriving to speed the registration process.
You must not eat or drink for 4 hours before your procedure. If you are diabetic, you should talk to your referring physician before the day of your exam. You may receive special instructions with regard to medications and diet. Do not alter your diet or medications without being instructed to do so by your physician.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications for 7 days before your procedure. You should discuss any changes to your medications with your physician.
Please do not take vitamin E products for 7 days before your procedure.
You should arrive one hour before your scheduled time.
Please arrange to have a family member or friend drive you home.
You will need to wear a hospital gown for this procedure, so please wear clothing that you can change easily.
You should expect to be at the imaging center for approximately 4 hours.
After Arriving
A radiology nurse or technologist will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history. They may also perform a few simple tests.
Please inform the technologist and/or physician of any allergies you may have before your exam.
An IV line will be started.
An imaging physician will discuss this procedure with you in detail and answer any questions you may have.
During Your Exam
You will be asked to lie face down on the scanner table.
The table you are on will slide into the scanner. This process usually includes multiple scans, so you will likely slide into the scanner more than once. It is very important that you do not move.
The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out. The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
You will be asked to hold very still and at times to breath shallowly with no deep breaths that would change your position.
The exact location of the area of interest is identified and the area for incision is numbed.
The imaging physician will perform the biopsy and remove a tissue sample.
A small titanium marker clip will be placed to mark the area that was biopsied.
A pressure bandage and wrap will be applied after the procedure, as well as an ice pack.
This procedure usually takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
After Your Exam
You will be moved to a room for observation by our nursing staff. You will need to remain in the room for approximately one hour, during which time, your vital signs will be monitored.
You may eat and drink as normal after leaving the center.
The pressure bandage can be removed after 16 hours. Please allow the Steri-strips to fall off on their own in 3 or 4 days.
Do not shower or bathe for 24 hours after your biopsy.
Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen for 48 hours after the biopsy.
Do not participate in strenuous activities for 48 hours.
You may experience some soreness and/or bruising, which can usually be alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever and by applying an ice pack to the biopsy site.
The tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for examination. Results from the test will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.
Your physician will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
Directions and Parking Information
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (310) 423-8000.
The S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center provides a full range of advanced imaging, both radiology and cardiology, as well as interventional radiology and interventional tumor (oncology) treatments to the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Mid-Cities, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Studio City, Toluca Lake, and West Hollywood.
