Prior to any biopsy, you must review the available imaging of the lesion!

1. Make sure the lesion is visualized on orthogonal scans (please see images below)
2. Do not biopsy a breast lesion if you do not know whether it is real or if you do not know its location in the breast.
3. Make sure the lesion can be accessed safely!

When reviewing images, make sure you know the location and appearance of the lesion you are planning to biopsy!

Allergies:
- Review allergies such as to local anesthesia medication, adhesive tapes, latex to adjust the procedure supplies accordingly
- If post-biopsy markers or wireless fiducials are to be placed, the patient should be asked about allergies to metals and about allergies to bovine or porcine products (if the marker contains these products) 

Anticoagulation: 

1. Blood thinning medications should be avoided if possible.
2. A risks and benefit evaluation should be performed to determine if anticoagulation should be held prior to biopsy procedure. 
3. However, breast biopsy can be performed even if a patient is on anticoagulation!

Components of informed consent include:

1. Procedure risks and benefits, and potential complications. 
2. Alternatives to percutaneous biopsy (i.e. surgical excisional biopsy or no biopsy), as well as the risks and benefits of any alternatives.
3. Description of the procedure including biopsy and marker placement.
4. Description of post procedure evaluation including post biopsy mammogram.
5. How to follow up and find biopsy results.

Here is an example of the consent form patients must sign prior to the procedure in EPIC:

You must make sure of the following:
Patient must be able to hold still for the procedure.
Patient should comply with post-procedural instructions to lower risks of complications such as bleeding.
Patient should comply with post biopsy imaging and surgical follow-up if needed.