F. Baum

Medical history. Before performing a core needle or vacuum biopsy, it is important to exclude contraindications, most of which concern blood clotting. Most patients with a history of thromboembolisms (e. g., atrial fibrillation) are treated with coumarin derivatives. Patients with a history of arteriovenous occlusive disease, however, are usually taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), but are occasionally treated with heparin. These patients are generally aware of their `medications’ effect on their coagulation status. This is also true for patients with an inherited coagulopathy such as clotting factor deficiencies (rare in women), platelet, and capillary disorders.

Patients who have taken an aspirin to alleviate pain or cold symptoms, however, are often not aware of the association with an increased bleeding risk. For this reason, patients must be asked if they have taken any of these medications or are aware of having a bleeding disorder before performing a minimally invasive biopsy. Occasionally, a patient undergoing anticoagulant therapy will require extensive preparation before a biopsy can be performed. It is not necessary, however, to do blood coagulation tests on patients with no known coagulation disorders or history of taking anticoagulant medication.

Anticoagulant medication. Aspirin