01.16 Biopsy

Hey guys! Welcome to the lesson on biopsies!

Biopsies are used to diagnose disease in tissue or fluid. During the procedure, the site is numbed usually with lidocaine and the patient may be sedated. Radiology guidance may be needed like in this picture of a lung biopsy where the needle is then inserted and the tissue is removed. The specimen is then sent to lab for testing. 

The doctor might order a biopsy if the patient has a suspicious lump, infection, or inflammation. This may be inside or outside of the body. Next let’s discuss the different types of biopsies. 

There are different types of biopsies that may be done to obtain the specimen. Needle biopsies may be for aspiration of fluid. A core needle biopsy also known as punch biopsy like in this picture is where the tissue is taken in this device for testing. During excisional biopsies, the entire lump or tumor is removed. During incisional biopsies, just a part of the lump or tumor is removed for testing. Endoscopic biopsies are done in the body like in the lungs or GI tract with a camera for guidance. Let’s explore what the nurse role is in the biopsy. 

If a biopsy is ordered for your patient, you will explain the procedure to the patient and have them sign a consent. Ask the surgeon or doctor what supplies they need so that you may prepare them. 

So right before the procedure starts, a time out should be done to make sure it is the correct patient, procedure, and site. If the biopsy is guided by X-ray, radiation precautions need to be implemented to protect you and the patient. This means covering areas of the body that don’t need to be exposed to the radiation. You will hand the doctor supplies as they need them. 

After the procedure, bandage the site. Take the specimen to lab. Assess the site for bleeding or redness. 

The priority nursing concepts for the patient with a biopsy are patient-centered care and tissue/skin integrity. 

Alright guys, let’s review the key points about biopsies. A biopsy is where tissue is removed for testing and diagnosing disease in a patient. The doctor might order a biopsy in a patient if they have a suspicious lump, inflammation, or infection in tissue. Before the procedure, explain it to the patient and have them sign a consent. Obtain and prepare the supplies for the doctor. Right before beginning, a time out needs to be done to make sure it is the right patient, procedure, and site. If guided by X-ray, use radiation precautions to protect you and the patient. Provide supplies to the doctor as needed. After the procedure, cover the site and take the specimen to lab. Assess the site for redness and bleeding. 

Okay guys, that’s it on biopsies! Now go out and be your best self today, and as always, happy nursing!