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RPFNA Pre-Instructions

You have been scheduled to have a breast fine needle aspiration at Duke University Medical Center. We want this to be a positive experience for you. To help meet this goal, please follow the instructions below:

• Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen-like products) for 3 days prior to your appointment.
• Avoid taking vitamin E supplements and fish oil for 3 days prior to your appointment.
• Do not take amphetamine-like medications (ex: Ritalin) for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
• The procedure should cause you little or no discomfort. However, if you are feeling nervous, take the pill (Ativan) that was prescribed for this about an hour before your appointment.  You will need to sign the consent form prior to taking the Ativan.
• If you take Ativan, make sure that you arrange to have someone drive you to and from your appointment. It will not be safe for you to drive for 6-8 hours after you take this medication.
• To help prevent bruising after the procedure, your breasts will be tightly wrapped with a gauze bandage. If you prefer, you may bring a sports bra with you instead.
• The local anesthetic we use contains epinephrine, which is used to minimize bleeding and bruising. Although it wears off quickly, epinephrine can make you feel jittery, like you drank a big cup of coffee. Some women find that they can lessen this side effect by eating something an hour or so before their appointment.

Printable RPFNA Pre-Instructions (pdf)