The anesthetic is administered. The procedure does not begin until you are numb. Skin is cleaned with antiseptic. You will feel pressure and a brief, sharp pain when the needle enters the pleura. Surgeon slowly withdraws a specimen of pleural tissue.
Adhesive bandage is applied to the biopsy site.
Tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis. After the test Immediate post-test care Operator checks your pulse, blood pressure, breathing status and temperature at regular intervals until they are stable. Chest X-ray is taken immediately after the biopsy to be sure no part of the lung has collapsed. Activity after test You are observed for 4 to 6 hours for pulse, blood pressure and signs of respiratory distress. These include shortness of breath, shoulder pain or other complications, such as breathing difficulties and pneumonia.