CT-Guided Biopsy with Intravenous Contrast
A CT-guided biopsy uses imaging to help obtain tissue from a suspicious area for microscopic examination. Intravenous contrast may be given during the procedure.
["This procedure collects tissue for diagnosis, with CT imaging guiding needle placement."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 42260-0
- Short code
- CT Guided Bx--W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Bx--W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A CT-guided biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor uses CT images to guide a needle to a target area and remove tissue. Intravenous contrast may be given to improve the visibility of blood vessels and the targeted area on CT images.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be recommended when an imaging study finds an unexplained lump, lesion, or abnormal tissue that needs further evaluation. The removed tissue is examined by a pathologist to help identify conditions such as inflammation, infection, benign growths, or cancer.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a CT scanner table, and the target area will be cleaned and numbed. Under local anesthesia, the doctor repeatedly scans or images the area to guide a biopsy needle into position and removes tissue for laboratory analysis. If IV contrast is used, it is usually given through a vein in your arm.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the instructions provided by the imaging center, which may include fasting and temporarily stopping certain medicines, especially blood thinners. Tell the care team about kidney disease, prior contrast reactions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and medications you take; do not stop any medicine without instructions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Biopsy results may show normal tissue, inflammation, infection, a benign process, or a cancerous condition. The findings are interpreted together with your symptoms, imaging studies, and prior laboratory tests. If too little usable tissue is obtained or a different area should be sampled, the doctor may recommend another biopsy.
Short name
CT-Guided Biopsy
Frequently asked questions
Will the biopsy provide a definitive diagnosis?
Is IV contrast used during every CT-guided biopsy?
What are the main risks of the procedure?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy