CT-Guided Stereotactic Head Biopsy with Intravenous Contrast
A minimally invasive procedure in which CT imaging guides a needle into a targeted area of the head to obtain tissue for diagnosis.
["This procedure obtains a small sample of tissue from a specific head lesion so a pathologist can determine what it is."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24585-2
- Short code
- CT Guided Head Str Bx--W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Head Str Bx--W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 135
- Ref high
- 980
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- CPT
- 82626
- 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 stereotactic head biopsy is a procedure that uses computed tomography images to help position a biopsy needle at a specific target within the head. A small sample of tissue is removed for examination by a pathologist. Intravenous contrast may be used to improve the visibility of brain structures and blood vessels during the procedure.
Why might I need this test?
This procedure may be recommended when imaging has identified an abnormal area that could represent a tumor, infection, inflammation, or another condition. Examining the tissue directly may help establish a diagnosis when imaging and other tests are not conclusive.
How is the test performed?
After the target is identified with CT imaging, a thin needle is carefully advanced to the area. A small tissue sample is collected, and the needle is removed. The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia and sedation, depending on the clinical situation and the institution's protocol.
How do I prepare for the test?
Your care team will provide specific instructions. These may include reviewing medications, allergies, kidney function, blood-thinning medicines, pregnancy status, and imaging studies. Follow the team's instructions about fasting, medicines, transportation, and post-procedure care.
Reference range
NCBI: DHEA-S Male 135-980 µg/dL; Female 30-260 µg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The biopsy may identify the type of cells present in a targeted abnormality, such as a tumor or inflammatory process. Results can guide treatment planning, but the tissue findings must be interpreted together with imaging, symptoms, the physical examination, and other laboratory studies. If no conclusive diagnosis is possible, additional testing or another tissue sample may be needed.
Short name
CT-guided stereotactic head biopsy
Frequently asked questions
Is a CT-guided stereotactic head biopsy the same as a surgical biopsy?
Why is contrast used during the procedure?
How soon are the biopsy results available?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy