Interventional Procedures
Interventional procedures use CT or ultrasound imaging to accurately guide a needle into a specific area for diagnosis or treatment. At Marina Radiology, these procedures include fine needle aspiration (FNA), image-guided biopsy and fluid aspiration.
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Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
Fine needle aspiration, also called FNA, FNA biopsy or FNAB, uses a very fine needle to collect cells or fluid from a lump, nodule or other area of concern. The sample is usually sent to pathology for examination.
Image-Guided Biopsy
An image-guided biopsy, also called a needle biopsy, core biopsy or core needle biopsy, removes a small tissue sample for examination by a pathologist. CT or ultrasound imaging is used to guide the needle to the area being investigated.
Aspirations
An aspiration, sometimes called fluid aspiration, cyst aspiration or needle aspiration, uses a needle to remove fluid from a cyst or collection. The fluid may be removed to relieve symptoms, sent for testing, or both.
Why FNA, biopsy and aspiration are performed
Your doctor or specialist may refer you for one of these procedures to investigate a lump, nodule, abnormal area or fluid collection. FNA and biopsy provide samples for laboratory examination, while aspiration may remove fluid, relieve symptoms or provide a sample for testing.
What to expect during your procedure
The radiologist will review your referral and use CT or ultrasound imaging to identify the area being sampled or treated. The skin is cleaned, local anaesthetic may be used, and a needle is guided into position. One or more samples may be collected, or fluid may be withdrawn during an aspiration.
Preparing for your interventional procedure
Please tell our team if you take blood-thinning medication, have a bleeding or clotting condition, medication or contrast allergies, diabetes, an infection, or are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Some procedures may require a recent blood test or specific medication instructions. Please follow the preparation instructions provided when booking.
Benefits of image-guided interventional procedures
CT and ultrasound guidance allow the radiologist to accurately target the area being sampled or treated. These minimally invasive procedures can provide important diagnostic information without the need for a larger surgical procedure.
FAQ’s
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FNA stands for fine needle aspiration. You may also see it written as FNA biopsy or FNAB.
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An FNA uses a very fine needle to collect cells or fluid, while a core biopsy collects a small piece of tissue. Your referring doctor will request the type of sample required.
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An aspiration uses a needle to remove fluid from a cyst or collection. It may be performed to relieve symptoms, obtain a sample for testing, or both.
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You may feel a brief sting when local anaesthetic is given and some pressure during the procedure.
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Samples collected during an FNA or biopsy are generally sent to a pathology laboratory. Fluid removed during an aspiration may also be sent for testing if requested.
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Where a sample is sent to pathology, the final result depends on the laboratory examination. Your referring doctor or specialist will discuss the results with you.
