Description of test You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you. Before the biopsy, a chest X-ray and blood tests are performed to make sure your clotting mechanism is working well. 30 minutes before the test, you are given a mild sedative to help you relax. The anesthetic is administered. The procedure does not begin until you are numb.
Skin is cleaned with antiseptic.
Remain calm, and keep as still as possible. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin on the chest with a scalpel. The biopsy needle is inserted into the lung. You may feel a sharp, temporary pain when the biopsy needle touches the lung. A small amount of lung tissue is removed.