: CT-Guided Thoracic Spine Biopsy
: A CT-guided thoracic spine biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from a thoracic vertebra under CT imaging guidance for laboratory examination.
[": This image-guided sampling helps determine whether a spine abnormality is due to infection, tumor, or another cause."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35906-7
- Short code
- CT Guided T-spine Bx
- Synonyms
- CT Guided T-spine Bx
- Category
- chemistry
- 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 This Test Is
: This is not a laboratory blood test but a tissue-sampling procedure. A doctor called a radiologist uses computed tomography (CT) images to guide a thin needle into the thoracic spine so that a small piece of bone or surrounding tissue can be collected and sent to a pathology laboratory.
: Why It Is Done
: The procedure is typically ordered when imaging studies show an unexplained abnormality in a thoracic vertebra, such as a suspicious lesion, concern for infection, or a possible tumor. Examining the tissue can help your care team identify the cause and plan appropriate treatment.
: How to Prepare
: Your care team will explain the steps and give you specific instructions. You may be asked about medications, allergies, and bleeding risk, and to arrange for someone to accompany you home. Follow all preparation directions exactly as provided.
: What to Expect
: The procedure is usually performed with local numbing medicine and sometimes light sedation. You will lie in a position that gives the radiologist access to your spine, and CT images are used to confirm needle placement. Afterward you may be monitored for a short time before going home.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: A CT-guided thoracic spine biopsy provides tissue for laboratory analysis that imaging alone cannot give. Results can help distinguish among infection, benign changes, and malignancy, guiding the next steps in your care. Your physician will interpret the findings in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
Short name
: CT-Guided T-Spine Biopsy
Frequently asked questions
: Is this the same as a blood test?
: Does the procedure hurt?
: When will I get my results?
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