The patient lies on the table of the scanner. Local anaesthetic is put into the chest wall and sedation can be given through a needle in the back of the hand or arm. The radiologist uses the scanner to guide a hollow needle into the suspicious area of lung to take a sample. Several samples are often taken.
Needle biopsy is a very safe procedure.
Even if a leak does occur, these are often minor and will absorb on their own without any treatment. If there is a large leak, it may be necessary to remove the air from the chest either through a needle or sometimes through a tube which may mean staying in hospital until this has been done.