: Magnetic Resonance–Guided Salivary Gland Biopsy
: A magnetic resonance–guided salivary gland biopsy is a procedure in which an imaging scan is used to guide a needle into a salivary gland to collect a small tissue sample for laboratory examination.
[": MRI guidance helps the care team target the correct area of the salivary gland to obtain a tissue sample for diagnosis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69201-2
- Short code
- MR Guided Salivary gland Bx
- Synonyms
- MR Guided Salivary gland 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
- mr
- 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 a tissue sampling procedure rather than a blood test. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to visualize the salivary gland and nearby structures so that a needle can be directed to the intended area to collect a small piece of tissue.
: Why It May Be Done
: A salivary gland biopsy may be ordered when imaging or other tests show a lump, swelling, or abnormality in a salivary gland, or when a diagnosis such as inflammation, infection, or a tumor needs to be confirmed. The exact reason depends on your symptoms and other test results.
: How to Prepare
: Preparation instructions are given by your care team and may include fasting, medication adjustments, or arrangements for a companion. Because MRI uses strong magnets, tell the staff about any implants, pacemakers, or metal in your body before the procedure.
: What to Expect
: You may receive local numbing medicine and possibly sedation. The procedure usually takes some time because imaging is used to position the needle. Mild soreness, swelling, or minor bleeding at the site can occur afterward, and your care team will explain aftercare and warning signs to watch for.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: A salivary gland biopsy provides tissue that a pathologist examines under a microscope to help distinguish benign from malignant conditions and to identify inflammatory or infectious processes. Results are interpreted together with symptoms, imaging, and other laboratory findings, and a negative or non-diagnostic sample may sometimes require repeat testing or additional evaluation.
Short name
: MRI-Guided Salivary Gland Biopsy
Frequently asked questions
: Is this the same as a blood test?
: Does the MRI itself provide the diagnosis?
: Will I get a specific normal range with my result?
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