Diagnostic Procedure

CT-Guided Biopsy Procedure

Minimally Invasive Diagnosis with Precision

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Affiliated hospitals

Philippine General Hospital
Asian Hospital and Medical Center
Manila Doctors Hospital
ManilaMed – Medical Center Manila
Angeles University Foundation Medical Center
World Citi Medical Center
Cabrini Medical Center
Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital
Fe del Mundo Medical Center
Global Care Medical Center
Medical Center Taguig
Ospital ng Maynila
Prime Scan
San Juan de Dios Hospital
Laguna Doctors Hospital
Dr. Jeffrey P. Apo, Interventional Radiologist in Metro Manila

What is a CT-Guided Biopsy?

A CT-guided biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses computed tomography (CT) imaging to help accurately locate and extract tissue samples from abnormal areas inside the body. This is especially useful for nodules, masses, or lesions that are difficult to access through traditional methods.

During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted through the skin and directed toward the target area using real-time CT scan guidance. This precision reduces the risk of complications and improves diagnostic accuracy.

CT-Guided Biopsy — image-guided procedure by Dr. Jeffrey Apo, Interventional Radiologist in Manila

Who Is It For?

CT-guided biopsy is ideal for patients who need a precise diagnosis of deep-seated or hard-to-reach lesions—such as in the lungs, liver, bones, lymph nodes, and abdominal organs—and when other techniques (like ultrasound) are not accurate enough. It’s commonly recommended for individuals with:

  • Indeterminate or suspicious pulmonary nodules or masses
  • Potential metastatic lesions in the chest or bones
  • Lesions that cannot be safely biopsied via surgery due to location or patient health

Key Benefits

More accurate than blind or ultrasound-guided methods for certain cases
Helps detect infections, inflammation, or cancer
Performed under local anesthesia, with minimal downtime
Often done on an outpatient basis

Common Uses

Lung nodules or massesLiver lesions or tumorsLymph node evaluationBone lesion samplingAbdominal or retroperitoneal masses
Dr. Jeffrey P. Apo, Interventional Radiologist
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Local
Anesthesia
Outpatient
Setting
30–60 min
Procedure time
CT-guided
Imaging used
Same day
Recovery
2–7 days
Results

Clinic Hours

Weekly Schedule

Monday
1:00 – 5:00 PMFe del Mundo Medical Center
Tuesday
2:00 – 5:00 PMOlistico Health Manila
Wednesday
12:00 NN – 2:00 PMSan Juan de Dios Hospital
Thursday
9:00 AM – 12:00 NNPhilippine General Hospital
Friday
12:00 NN – 2:00 PMSan Juan de Dios Hospital
Saturday
10:00 AM – 12:00 NNPhilippine General Hospital
3:00 – 4:00 PMOlistico Health Manila

Strictly by Appointment · No Walk-ins

Primary clinic

Olistico Health Manila

Unit 404, West East Center, 1332-1336 Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila

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FAQs: CT-Guided Biopsy

How should I prepare for a CT‑guided biopsy?
Most centers advise fasting for 4–6 hours before the procedure and drinking small sips of water up to 2 hours beforehand. Inform your physician if you’re on blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) or have diabetes, contrast allergy, or altered medications—you may need to pause or adjust them in advance.
What can I expect during and immediately after the procedure?
  • Expect to lie still inside the CT scanner for 30–60 minutes, including prep, needle insertion, and imaging confirmation.
  • You’ll receive local anesthesia, sometimes with mild sedation.
  • Once the sample is taken, you’ll be moved to a recovery room. A chest X-ray may be done to ensure there’s no lung collapse.
  • Most patients go home the same day once vitals stabilize.
What can I expect during recovery, and when will I get results?
  • You might feel soreness or pressure at the biopsy site for a few days.
  • Mild pain relief like Tylenol or Ibuprofen is typically sufficient.
  • Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 1 week or as instructed.
  • Very slight blood in mucus or at the site may occur initially and should resolve within a few days.
  • Tissue results typically return within 2–7 days, with follow-up through your referring doctor.

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