CT-Guided Pancreatic Biopsy with Intravenous Contrast
A CT-guided biopsy uses imaging to help obtain a small sample of a pancreatic lesion for laboratory examination.
["This image-guided procedure can help determine whether a pancreatic lesion contains abnormal or cancerous cells."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 89619-1
- Short code
- CT Guided Pancreas Bx--W contr IV
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Pancreas Bx--W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 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 pancreatic biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a needle is inserted into a suspicious area of the pancreas under CT imaging guidance. The collected tissue is examined by a pathologist, and intravenous contrast may be used to help identify the target and guide the procedure.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be recommended when a pancreatic lesion needs a more definite diagnosis, especially if laboratory tests and less invasive imaging have not provided enough information. It may help evaluate whether the lesion is cancerous, inflammatory, or another type of abnormal tissue.
How is the test performed?
You usually lie on a CT table, and local medicine is used to numb the skin before the needle is advanced into the pancreas under image guidance. One or more small tissue samples are collected and sent for pathology review. A temporary dressing is placed at the needle site.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your care team's instructions, which may include temporarily stopping certain medicines, fasting for a specified period, or arranging transportation if sedation is used. Tell the team about any contrast allergy, kidney disease, bleeding disorder, or pregnancy before the procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Biopsy results may identify malignant cells, signs of inflammation, infection, or other noncancerous conditions. Sometimes the sample is too limited for a clear diagnosis, so additional testing or another biopsy may be needed. Results should be interpreted with your symptoms, imaging findings, and other laboratory results by your clinician.
Short name
CT-guided pancreatic biopsy
Frequently asked questions
Is a CT-guided pancreatic biopsy the same as a pancreatic cancer diagnosis?
Will I need to stay in the hospital afterward?
What should I do if the biopsy site becomes painful or starts bleeding?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy