What to Expect: Image Guided Biopsies

• Please plan to spend at least two hours at the Breast Center on the day of your biopsy appointment.
• If you take prescription blood-thinning medication (Coumadin, warfarin, Lovenox, Plavix, etc.), special arrangements will have to be made with your medical provider prior to your biopsy.
• Prior to entering the biopsy room, your medical history and films will be reviewed.

We may have to reschedule your appointment if the above instructions are not followed. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause, however your safety is our top priority.

• You may eat breakfast or lunch before your biopsy.
• You may take Tylenol or some other form of acetaminophen before or after your procedure as needed.
• Please do not use perfume or powder on the day of your biopsy.
• Please advise our staff if you may be pregnant.
• If you weigh 300 pounds or more and are needing a stereotactic biopsy, please alert the scheduler in order to make alternative arrangements.

Most of the biopsies that the Vanderbilt Breast Center performs are image-guided biopsies, but similar considerations would apply to patients receiving biopsies without imaging guidance done by the clinicians.