Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid

An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy uses sound waves to help locate a nodule or abnormality within the thyroid. The radiologist will remove a tissue sample for examination under a microscope. The procedure is less invasive than a surgical biopsy, leaves little to no scarring, and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.

What to Bring

• Your physician order (your physician may have already sent this to us)
• Personal ID
• Insurance Card

How to Prepare

• Tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin or blood thinning medications.
• If you wear an on-body device (insulin pump, insulin regulators, Neulasta, other chemo/insulin devices, etc), you must inform your x-ray technologist. Some of these devices cannot be in the room during the exam.
• Unlike X-rays, radiation is not involved with this test.

What to Expect

• You may be asked to remove clothes and to wear a gown during your exam.
• You will need to remove jewelry in the area to be examined. We recommend leaving valuable jewelry at home.
• The room is usually dark so the images can be seen clearly on the computer screen.
• You will be asked to remain still and not to cough, talk, swallow or make a sound during the procedure.
• During the exam you will be asked to lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulders, your head tipped backward, and your neck extended. This position makes it easier for the radiologist to access the thyroid gland.
• Your neck area will be cleansed. Medication to numb the area may or may not be used.
• The ultrasound transducer will be covered with a sterile cover and sterile gel will be applied on your neck. This will help with the transmission of sound waves.
• The radiologist will insert a needle through the skin under direct imaging guidance, advance it to the site of the thyroid nodule, and aspirate (remove) samples of tissue.
• After the sampling, the needle will be removed. New needles will be reinserted if additional samples are required.
• Several specimens may be needed for a complete analysis.
• Once the biopsy is complete, pressure will be applied to the area. A bandage may be placed if necessary. No sutures are needed.
• Please allow 45 minutes from registration to completion of test.

Getting the Results

• A pathologist examines the removed specimen and makes a final diagnosis and sends the results to your ordering provider.