How the Test is Performed A chest X-ray is often used to identify the area to be biopsied. You are asked to sit with your arms resting forward on a table. You should maintain this position and refrain from coughing during the biopsy . The skin is scrubbed and a local anesthetic is injected. A small specimen is removed with the needle and sent to the laboratory.
Pressure is placed over the site.
Once bleeding has stopped, a bandage is applied. A chest X-ray is obtained immediately after the biopsy. Before a needle biopsy of the lung, a chest X-ray , CT scan of the chest , or bronchoscopy has been performed. Sometimes a mild sedative will precede the biopsy. You must sign a consent form.