The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Lung biopsy
If you experience lung problems, our expert radiologists can carry out a lung biopsy to help diagnose your condition
Our Lung biopsy locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
What is a lung biopsy?
A lung biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure carried out to help diagnose different conditions.
Your consultant takes a small sample of the affected area of your lung. This sample is then assessed by our radiology experts. We will let you know your results and plan the next stage of your treatment process.
Need to know
Your consultant's surgical techniques may vary, however, they may follow these steps:
- They'll start by viewing images of your chest and lungs with an ultrasound, CT or X-ray scan.
- When you are comfortable, a local anaesthetic will be applied to numb your lung area.
- After this, your consultant will use a needle to slowly take a sample of your lung tissue or fluid.
- Once this has been completed, you will have a final scan to check there are no air leaks from the biopsy.
- The puncture site where the needle was injected will be cleaned and dressed.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. You may have a blood test around one week before your lung biopsy. This is to ensure you have no abnormal blood clotting. On the day of your procedure, you should arrive at the hospital 30 minutes to one hour beforehand. Our nurses will ensure sure you are comfortable, before you meet your consultant ahead of the biopsy.
After your lung biopsy, you may stay in the recovery room for up to five hours. Whilst here, you will have blood pressure, pulse and temperature measured. A clip will be placed on your finger also to measure oxygen levels in your blood. During this time you will be able to eat and drink light refreshments.
You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure. Please arrange for a responsible adult to take you home from hospital. You should receive your results of your lung biopsy within 7 - 10 days. Based on these results, your consultant will of course arrange for a follow-up appointment or referral to another specialist.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.