Can I get the results of my biopsy on the same day?

[AskEveTeam]

Not usually; A biopsy refers to the removal of a small fragment of tissue for laboratory testing. The tissue is soaked and stained in a variety of different chemicals and dyes. The specimen is then cut into very fine slices and fixed in a specialwax before it can be studied under the microscope. This can take several days but it might be over a week before the specimen has been examined by a panel of experts. Sometimes this is not enough to get the diagnosis and further and more complex tests need to be done on the specimen. This can take many weeks.

It is possible to get a result almost instantaneously. This is called frozen section. It is very rarely used because it lacks the accuracy of the more conventional methods, is only applicable to a certain number of conditions. It is sometimes used to get an answer in the middle of the surgical operation. It's not considered to be appropriate for any other use. It is technically possible to examine fluid or a smear within a few hours. This is logistically difficult for hospitals to organise this and it is not usually available in routine care.

The time to get a biopsy result will depend on the local laboratory facilities and the administrative organisation the service. It can sometimes produce an answer within 48 hours but many services need two weeks.