What to bring on the day of your MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy
- Your diagnostic breast MRI
- A medical note from the referring physician stating the reason for the procedure
- The referral form issued by your doctor
- The contrast agent prescribed by your doctor
- The blood test results listed below, unless they have already been performed at Metropolitan Hospital
- A valid identification document (e.g., ID card, passport, driver’s license) and your social security number
How the procedure is performed
For your safety, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before the procedure. Due to the strong magnetic field, you must remove any metallic objects (e.g., jewelry, belts, hearing aids, glasses, removable dental prostheses) before entering the MRI room. You will lie on your back on a narrow examination table that slides into a circular MRI scanner.
Initial images will be taken to accurately locate the lesion, and the biopsy will then be performed under local anesthesia through a small area of the skin.
How to prepare
Please contact our department at 210 4809596 (08:00–16:00) to review the procedure and for further information. Also, make sure to send us the diagnostic breast MRI you have already undergone before the scheduled procedure.
You must have the following lab tests done:
- Complete blood count (CBC) – within 24 hours before the biopsy
- Prothrombin time (PT, INR) – within 24 hours before the biopsy
- Creatinine – within 30 days prior to the biopsy
These tests can also be performed at Metropolitan Hospital on the day of your appointment. However, please note that it takes approximately 1 hour from the time of sampling for results to be issued.
Sedation
Although the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, due to its relatively long duration (at least 1.5 hours), sedation is recommended for your comfort.
If you wish to receive sedation, please contact the Radiology – Medical Imaging Department at 210 4809596 / 7082 (08:00–16:00).
- If you suffer from claustrophobia
Ask your doctor to prescribe an anxiolytic medication for the day of the procedure and consider the option of sedation. - If you have allergies
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an MRI contrast agent, you must contact the Radiology – Medical Imaging Department at 210 4807082.
Your referring doctor may prescribe a preventive medication protocol, typically as follows:- 12 hours before the procedure: 2 tablets Medrol 16mg
- 2 hours before the procedure: 2 tablets Medrol 16mg
- 1 hour before the procedure: 1 tablet Zirtek 5mg
- If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator
You can undergo the procedure only if your device is MRI-compatible (MRI conditional).
However, it must be checked and appropriately programmed beforehand.
Please call 210 4809171 (08:00–14:00) to schedule this preparation.
When to arrive
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the necessary paperwork.
After your procedure
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, its settings must be restored after the procedure.
You are advised to drink plenty of fluids to help your body eliminate the contrast agent.
You must also strictly follow the post-care instructions given for the biopsy site.
When to expect your results
Biopsy results are typically available 15 to 20 days after the procedure. You will be contacted by the department’s secretary as soon as your results are ready.