A radiologist can perform the following procedures so that diagnostic samples may be sent to a pathology practice to be examined.
Biopsies
Your radiologist will take a sample of tissue, using a biopsy needle. This method is commonly used for breast lesions and lymph nodes.
Fine Needle Aspiration
A very fine needle is passed through an area of interest by the radiologist to gather a sample of cells that will be placed on slides for examination. This method is often used for thyroids, breast lesions and lymph nodes.
Fluid Aspirations
Using a needle and syringe, fluid can be removed from joints such as the knee, bakers’ cysts, ganglions and breast cysts. Sometimes this is sent for diagnostic tests, but more often than not just the drainage is performed.