Nasal mucosal biopsy

Alternative names:

biopsy of the nasal mucosa; nose biopsy

How the test is performed:

A topical anesthetic is sprayed into the nose. A small piece of the tissue that appears abnormal is removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How to prepare for the test:

Adults:
No special preparation is necessary, although fasting for a few hours may be advisable.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

There may be some pressure or tugging sensations during removal of the specimen. After the anesthetic wears off, the area may be sore for a few days.

Why the test is performed:

Nasal mucosal biopsy is most often performed when abnormal tissue is observed during examination of the nose or when disorders affecting the nasal mucosal tissue are suspected.