Information for patients and visitors

For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk

Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Biopsy

Ultrasound Clinical Support Services

This leaflet has been designed to give you important information and to answer some common queries you may have.

Information for patients and visitors

For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk

Introduction An ultrasound scan uses ultrasound waves which we cannot hear to produce a television image of the structures within the body. In order to obtain these images a thin layer of gel is applied to your skin. The Ultrasonographer places a probe on your skin over the part of the body to be examined. On completion of the examination, the skin is wiped cleaned. A biopsy is performed when an area on the body seen on Ultrasound Imaging needs further investigation.

Local anesthetic is given to numb the area to allow easy access when performing the biopsy.

A small sample is taken from the area through a fine needle. The sample is then sent to the Pathology department for analysis.

Benefits An Ultrasound Guided Thyroid Biopsy helps the Consultant to determine the best area for Biopsy allowing the needle to be more accurately guided to the area under investigation.

The examination is relatively quick to perform and can be done in the Ultrasound department thus not requiring a stay in hospital.

Risks Ultrasound scanning is not harmful. However, Thyroid Biopsies have a 1 in 100 risk of a bruise appearing after the procedure has been undertaken.

Should you develop any swelling which effects breathing or swallowing seek urgent medical advice.

If you are taking anticoagulants such as Warfarin o r Aspirin please telephone us on 03033 302933 for Scunthorpe and 03033 304648 for Gr imsby immediately for alternative instructions.

Alternatives Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid gland, however in approximately 30% of cases a sample is not enough to be able to give an accurate result. This sometimes results in repeated procedures and examinations.

What can I eat / drink before the procedure? AM appointment

Please have a light breakfast and nothing else to eat or drink until the procedure

PM Appointment

Please have a light early lunch and nothing else to eat or drink until after the procedure.

How long does it take?

Information for patients and visitors

For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk

Once you are in the room the examination will take approximately 30-45 minutes. When the examination has finished you will be able to drive, eat and drink as normal.

What happens if I am on medication? Please continue to take any medication prescribed for you.

When do I get my results? The results of your Thyroid Biopsy will be sent to the doctor who referred you.

Contact Details for Further Information Ultrasound department DPOW, Grimsby; 03033 304648

Ultrasound department SGH, Scunthorpe; 03033 302525

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) The Patient Advice and Liaison Service offers confidential advice, support and information on any health related matters.

If you have a comment, concern, complaint or compliment about the care or service you have received from the Trust you can contact the PALS team as follows:

Telephone: 03033 306518

Email: nlg-tr.PALS@nhs.net

There are also offices at both the Diana Princess of Wales Hospital (near the main entrance) and Scunthorpe General Hospital (on the C Floor, near the outpatient department), should you wish to visit.

Please note: PALS should not be contacted for clini cal advice relating to the content of this leaflet. The service should be contacted directly in the first instance.

Information for patients and visitors

For more information about our Trust and the services we provide please visit our website: www.nlg.nhs.uk

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trus t Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Scartho Road Grimsby DN33 2BA

Scunthorpe General Hospital Cliff Gardens Scunthorpe DN15 7BH

Goole & District Hospital Woodland Avenue Goole DN14 6RX

03033 306999 www.nlg.nhs.uk

Date of Issue: June, 2018

Review Period: June, 2021

Author: Ultrasound Department

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© NLGFT 2018