What is a muscle biopsy?
A muscle biopsy is an outpatient surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes small samples of muscle tissue for testing. These tissue samples can help your doctor diagnose a metabolic disease, even when other laboratory tests are normal.
Should I have this test?
Because a muscle biopsy is an invasive test requiring anesthesia, the risks and costs of the procedure must be considered with the potential of the test yielding positive results, as well as the potential benefits gained by a diagnosis (such as making treatment decisions and family planning). Be sure to discuss all of these variables with your doctor before you decide to have the procedure.
Before the procedure
Before a muscle biopsy is done, your doctor needs to arrange a plan for how the muscle samples will be distributed to the different labs for testing. The testing laboratories will be contacted before the biopsy is done so that preparation of the muscle is done correctly.
Before the procedure, you will have an opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure. You will be given general anesthesia before the procedure. This will make you or your child very relaxed and you or your child will then be sedated (in a sleep-like state) for the procedure.
During the procedure
The doctor will first cleanse the biopsy site. The doctor will then make a small incision (1- to 2-inch cut) usually in the top of the thigh. Up to three one-cubic centimeter samples are removed from the rectus muscle. The doctor will then close the incision, usually with stitches. The entire biopsy procedure lasts about 30 minutes.
After the procedure
- You will remain in the treatment area for a short time for observation.
- There will be some muscle soreness around the biopsied area for 1 to 2 weeks. Patients who have had the procedure describe the pain like a pulled muscle or like pain from a muscle strain.
- Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain for a few days after the procedure.
- Keep the incision area as clean and as dry as possible. Your doctor will tell you when the stitches should be removed (usually within 4 to 7 days).
- You should expect a small scar from the biopsy.
- Ask your doctor when you should come back for a follow-up visit.
When to call the doctor
- Call your doctor if you have bleeding that can't be stopped by applying pressure.
- Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns after the procedure.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 4/5/2006...#7145
