Transthoracic Needle Aspiration (TTNA)

Definition
A small needle is used to obtain lung tissue for biopsy.

How is the test performed?

• You lie on a CT (CAT scan) table. You will be positioned to make the area for biopsy more easily accessible. You should maintain this position and refrain from coughing during the biopsy. The skin is scrubbed and a local anesthetic is injected.
  A chest CT scan is used to locate the precise spot of the biopsy.
• A small incision (about 1/8-inch) may be made in the skin, and the biopsy needle is inserted into the abnormal tissue, tumor, or lung tissue. A small specimen is removed with the needle and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• Pressure is placed over the site. Once bleeding has stopped, a bandage is applied.
• A chest x-ray is obtained immediately after the biopsy.
• The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and laboratory (biopsy) analysis usually takes a few days.

How the test will feel:
A lung needle biopsy is preceded by a local injection of anesthetic, which will sting for a moment. You will feel pressure and a brief, sharp pain when the needle touches the lung.

Why the test is performed:
A needle lung biopsy is performed when there is an abnormal condition that is near the surface of the lung, in the lung itself, or on the chest wall. The test is usually performed to diagnose relatively large abnormalities seen on chest X-ray or CT scan. Most often, the abnormality is not believed to be accessible by other diagnostic techniques, such as bronchoscopy.