Biopsies are used to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of conditions. A biopsy procedure collects cells or tissue samples that doctors can study under a microscope and with laboratory tests. By examining these cells and tissues, your child's doctor can learn more about problems such as infections, inflammations and cancer in different parts of the body. If the doctor is unsure of what is causing your child's symptoms, a biopsy can provide answers.
The biopsy process is relatively quick depending on the type of biopsy required. The procedure generally takes between 30 minutes and one hour.
Doctors at Riley at IU Health work closely with parents to ease any stress a child may feel before and after the procedure. If needed, doctors use anesthesia and numbing agents to reduce pain at the biopsy site.
Riley at IU Health provides the following biopsy services:
- Liver biopsies
- Rectum biopsies
- Gastrointestinal biopsies obtained during an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy
- Percutaneous biopsy
- Kidney biopsy