Your nurse or doctor will explain the test to you, and answer any questions you have. S/he will ask you to sign a consent form to say that you agree to have the biopsy done.

You may need to undress and put on a hospital gown.

You lie on a couch while the test is done. Some local anaesthetic is injected into your skin so that you won’t feel any pain.

When you are ready, you lie still and hold your breath as the doctor puts a very fine needle though the skin and into the lung. S/he may need to do this a few times to get enough cells.

The doctor uses an X-ray picture, CT scan or ultrasound scan to see where the needle should go. You will stay at the hospital for a few hours, until you are well enough to leave. You may be able to go home the same day, but sometimes an overnight stay is needed.

You may have one or two further X-rays before you leave the hospital.

The sample of cells will be sent to the laboratory for examination. It may be a few days before the results are known.

Your doctor will arrange an appointment so that you can talk about the test results a few days later. If you don’t have a date for this, please ask.

Remember your doctors and nurses are here to help you. If you have any questions about your symptoms or your lung biopsy, don’t be afraid to ask.