Care After Needle Biopsy

These instructions tell you how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your doctor may also give you more specific instructions. Call your doctor if you have any problems or questions.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Soreness.
• Bruising.
• Mild pain.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Return to your normal activities as told by your doctor. Ask your doctor what activities are safe for you.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If you cannot use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
• Follow instructions from your doctor about:
  • How to take care of your puncture site.
  • When and how to change your bandage.
  • When to remove your bandage.
• Check your puncture site every day for signs of infection. Watch for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid or blood. 
  • Pus or a bad smell.
  • Warmth.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your doctor approves. Ask your doctor if you may take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if you have:

• A fever.
• Redness, swelling, or pain at the puncture site, and it lasts longer than a few days.
• Fluid, blood, or pus coming from the puncture site.
• Warmth coming from the puncture site.

Get help right away if:

• You have a lot of bleeding from the puncture site.

Summary

• After the procedure, it is common to have soreness, bruising, or mild pain at the puncture site.
• Check your puncture site every day for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain.
• Get help right away if you have severe bleeding from your puncture site.