A 42-year-old member asked:
Why does it take so long to get lymph node biopsy results?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Sean Williamsonanswered
Pathology 15 years experience
It's complex: Lymph node biopsies often require additional types of testing compared to other biopsies. In addition to looking at the cells under the microscope, the cells often need to be analyzed using specialized techniques. Sometimes molecular testing is also performed. All of these pieces are integrated together making the process a little longer than other biopsies.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 48-year-old member asked:
How long dose it take to a lymph node biopsy result back?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Usually a couple of: Days. Uncomplicated lymph node biopsy can be read with a couple of days of the biopsy. However special tests may take longer, even a couple of weeks depending on the investigation needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Biopsy results? How long does it typically take to get results from a biopsy?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Geoffrey Rutledgeanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
Most : Most biopsies are processed immediately in the laboratory receiving them; accrediting organizations, such as college of american pathologists, recommend that biopsies be reported within 48 hours. Thus, hospitals and physicians with access to good laboratories will have results within that time frame. Your result may be delayed by a physician who has a very good reason. If a biopsy is difficult for the pathologist(s) to interpret, it is good practice to inform the physician who performed the biopsy...Explaining the delay, what diagnosis (diagnoses) is/are being considered and what is being done to resolve the issue. The pathologist will also ask the submitting physician if he/she suggests that anything else needs to be considered.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
How long do lymph node biopsy results take to come back?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Martin Raffanswered
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Varies: As a general rule, 24-48 hrs, but if there are cultures pending or special stains needed it may take longer. Usually preliminary results are available within a day, but complete testing can be prolonged. Sometimes pathologists may send tissue to reference labs for confirmatory diagnoses or second opinions.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 28, 2015
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