Abrams Pleural Biopsy

A closed pleural biopsy is a method of removing a tissue sample from under your skin using a special needle. It is also known as a closed needle biopsy or closed pleural biopsy needle.

A closed pleural biopsy involves putting local anaesthetic on your chest to numb the area and then inserting a special needle into the pleural membrane to remove a sample biopsy for investigation in a laboratory to help diagnose a thickened pleura or pleural effusion.

Abrams pleural biopsy is the most widely used closed pleural biopsy.

There are two alternative types of pleural biopsy. They are a thoracoscopy that uses an endoscope to remove a tissue sample and an open biopsy that makes a bigger cut in your skin to access the lung and remove a piece of pleura if a closed pleural biopsy is too small to get a diagnosis.

A biopsy is a medical test that removes a small sample of tissue from a part of your body so that it can be examined under a microscope by a specialist to help to make a diagnosis and find out what might be wrong.

There are many ways tissue biopsy is performed. The type of biopsy is based on the tissue being collected and where in the body it is being taken from.

Imaging including X-ray, ultrasound, CT scanning and MRI scanning are often used to guide a biopsy.

A tissue biopsy can be performed by:

• Punch biopsy - useful to diagnose skin conditions. A special instrument punches a small hole through the top layers of your skin to remove a skin sample.
• Needle biopsy – uses a special needle to get sample tissue from organs or lumps beneath your skin.
• Endoscopic biopsy - a thin flexible telescope, called an endoscope, is used with small cutting tools to take a tissue sample.
• Excisional biopsy - removes a larger area of tissue, such as a lump, for closer examination.
• Perioperative biopsy – a tissue sample is taken during an operation and checked immediately. Results are available whilst operating and used to help decide on how to proceed with the operation.

Pleural effusion is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside your lungs. It is very common. It can be diagnosed using tests including:

• Chest x-ray
• Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest
• Ultrasound of the chest
• Thoracentesis - a needle is used to take a biopsy or small amount of the fluid for laboratory analysis.
• Thoracoscopy - minimally invasive technique, that uses a tube with a camera or video camera on the end to see the pleura. Often, treatment for the pleural effusion is combined with diagnosis.

The cost of an Abrams pleural biopsy will depend your Ramsay hospital of choice.

You will receive a formal quotation price for your Abrams pleural biopsy following your consultation with one of our expert cardiology surgeons. This formal quote for your an Abrams pleural biopsy will be valid for 60 days.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. An Abram’s pleural biopsy is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before your pleural biopsy.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your Abrams pleural biopsy yourself. We offer interest-free finance so you pay 0% interest, no deposit and benefit from affordable monthly instalments.

At Ramsay Health Care UK, we offer a full spectrum of tests to help diagnose pleural effusion. This includes the regularly used needle biopsy, Abrams pleural biopsy.

Our highly experienced chest physicians and radiologists perform Abrams pleural biopsy, often using ultrasound or CT guidance.

We offer a fast turnaround of biopsy results so that you can find out if you have pleural effusion. If treatment is required, this will be conveniently and promptly available at your Ramsay hospital.

As a Ramsay patient, your safety is our utmost concern. We follow strict infection control and prevention protocols to minimise the risk of any infection, including COVID-19.