{ "id": "epnv9qqn2q", "slug": "transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy", "title": "Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy", "updated": "2026-10-15", "topic_path": [ { "id": "life", "label": "Life and health", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/life" }, { "id": "life.health", "label": "Human health and medicine", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/life.health" }, { "id": "life.health.clinical", "label": "Clinical assessment and procedures", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/life.health.clinical" }, { "id": "life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy", "label": "Endoscopy and biopsy procedures", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy" }, { "id": "life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques", "label": "Biopsy techniques", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques", "label": "Non-geographic · 1946 to 2000: Biopsy techniques", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques", "path": [ { "id": "geo.nongeo", "label": "Non-geographic", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946", "label": "Non-geographic · 1946 to 2000", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.life", "label": "Life and health", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.life" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health", "label": "Human health and medicine", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical", "label": "Clinical assessment and procedures", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy", "label": "Endoscopy and biopsy procedures", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques", "label": "Biopsy techniques", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that uses spring-loaded needles to sample prostate cores through the rectum, typically taking 10 to 12 cores.", "snippet": "Transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that uses spring-loaded needles to sample prostate cores through the rectum, typically taking 10 to 12 cores.", "node": "life.health.clinical.clinical-endoscopy-biopsy.biopsy-techniques", "markdown": "# Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy\n\nTransrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which spring-loaded needles sample cores of prostate tissue through the rectum under real-time ultrasound guidance, to answer whether a man with an elevated PSA or abnormal examination has prostate cancer. The tissue cores are the specimen: they provide the histological diagnosis, the Grade Group (1–5 scale of prostate cancer aggressiveness), and the tumor extent on which treatment decisions rest.[1](https://nurses.uroweb.org/guidelines/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy-of-the-prostate/chapter/introduction) The transrectal route has been the standard tissue-diagnosis pathway for ultrasound-guided sextant transrectal biopsy, but practice is shifting toward MRI-targeted sampling and, increasingly, the transperineal route, which the 2025 EAU guideline recommends with a strong recommendation for its lower infectious risk and better antibiotic stewardship.[2](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-024-00884-2) • [3](https://www.urology.wiki/HandBooks/EAU/2025/1.EAU-Prostate-Cancer-2025_pocket%20updated.pdf) A 2026 international consensus reached 97% agreement that the transperineal approach is the standard route.[4](https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838%2826%2902233-5/fulltext)\n\n| Key fact | Value |\n|---|---|\n| Specimen produced | 10-12 or more 18-gauge prostate core biopsies for histological analysis[1](https://nurses.uroweb.org/guidelines/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy-of-the-prostate/chapter/introduction) • [5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/) |\n| Imaging | Transrectal probe, 6-9 MHz (most often 7.5 MHz), end-firing or biplane[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) |\n| Standard systematic scheme | At least 12 cores (EAU, Strong); more than 12 adds no detection benefit[3](https://www.urology.wiki/HandBooks/EAU/2025/1.EAU-Prostate-Cancer-2025_pocket%20updated.pdf) • [7](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082664/) |\n| csPCa detection | Pooled 0.63 (95% CI 0.53-0.74) for TRUS-guided vs 0.83 for MRI-guided biopsy[8](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9184263/) |\n| Common side effects | Visible haematuria 66.3%, haematospermia 38.8%, rectal bleeding 28.4%[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) |\n| Serious infections | Urosepsis 0.5%; sepsis 0.8-0.9% pooled for the transrectal route[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) • [9](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588931124001822) |\n| Accuracy | False-negative risk 30-45%; accuracy around 59%[2](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-024-00884-2) |\n\n## How it works\n\nThe transrectal approach is the method of choice for prostate ultrasound because image quality is superior to transabdominal and transperineal examinations.[10](https://www.aium.org/docs/default-source/official-statements-or-practice-parameters/prostate_2025.pdf) Dedicated probes vary in frequency between 6 and 9 MHz, the most frequently used being 7.5 MHz, and are end-firing, biplane, or both; a biplane probe is needed when true anatomical views are required.[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) On the image, the presence of a lesion raises the likelihood of cancer detection from 30.8% to 57.8% when biopsied.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/)\n\nThe sampling apparatus is an 18-gauge core biopsy gun fired through a needle guide attached to the probe.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/) The gun advances the needle 0.5 cm and samples the subsequent 1.5-2 cm of tissue, with the tip extending 0.5 cm beyond the sampled area, so the operator must place the throw distance inside the gland.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/) Targeting can be purely cognitive, with the operator inferring lesion location on a standard probe, or software-based fusion of MRI to three-dimensional TRUS.[11](https://www.ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.14.12681)\n\n## How it is done\n\nThe patient is positioned in the left lateral position, knees bent toward the chest, or in the lithotomy position; the left lateral position is preferred with an end-firing probe.[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) Rectal cleansing with povidone-iodine before transrectal biopsy is recommended (Strong).[3](https://www.urology.wiki/HandBooks/EAU/2025/1.EAU-Prostate-Cancer-2025_pocket%20updated.pdf) [Antibiotic](https://www.edgepedia.org/antibiotic) prophylaxis targets gram-negative organisms, with first- to third-generation cephalosporins given 1-2 hours before the procedure and route (oral, intramuscular, or intravenous) not affecting efficacy; fluoroquinolones are no longer recommended as routine prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsy, with targeted prophylaxis based on rectal swab cultures or a transperineal approach as alternatives.[7](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082664/) Quinolones are described as the drugs of choice in the EAUN guidance, with ciprofloxacin superior to ofloxacin.[12](https://nurses.uroweb.org/guidelines/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy-of-the-prostate/chapter/patient-assessment-and-preparation)\n\nPeriprostatic nerve block (PPNB) with lidocaine is the most reported anesthetic technique, effective in pain control with immediate effect (LE 1b); it was endorsed as standard for the transrectal route by 83% of the ProBIOPSY panel.[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) • [4](https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838%2826%2902233-5/fulltext) In the lateral view, a local anesthetic such as 10 ml of Chirocaine 0.5% is placed with a 22-gauge needle.[13](https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Publications/Transrectal%20Ultrasound%20%20Prostatic%20Biopsy%20FINAL.pdf) • [26](https://apps.medicines.org.au/files/vepchiro.pdf)\n\n## Origin\n\nDigitally guided (finger-guided) prostatic biopsy gradually evolved into TRUS-guided sampling as real-time transrectal imaging matured.[14](https://journals.lww.com/kleu/fulltext/2021/14020/transrectal_ultrasonography_and_biopsy_of_the.5.aspx) The original systematic scheme, [sextant biopsy](https://www.edgepedia.org/sextant-biopsy), took one core from the base, mid gland, and apex of each side through the parasagittal plane, and missed up to 30% of cancers.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/) Extended 10- to 12-core protocols superseded sextant biopsy and increase cancer detection rates by up to 30%, which is why 10-12 cores became the standard method.[15](https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/jnumed/57/Supplement_3/13S.full.pdf) Because about 75% of prostate cancers originate in the peripheral zone, laterally directed biopsies were added to the scheme.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/)\n\n## Variants\n\n**Systematic schemes.** When performing systematic biopsy only, the EAU recommends at least twelve cores (Strong).[3](https://www.urology.wiki/HandBooks/EAU/2025/1.EAU-Prostate-Cancer-2025_pocket%20updated.pdf) The AUA white paper and Canadian Urological Association recommend a 12-core scheme including the apex and bilateral far-lateral peripheral zones; more than 12 cores adds no benefit in cancer detection rate or negative predictive value.[7](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082664/) Saturation biopsy (24-37 cores) as a primary scheme gave a detection rate of 46.9%, not statistically different from 12-core (39.8%, p = 0.3) or 18-core (49%, p = 0.6) biopsy, so it is not recommended as a primary scheme.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/) In the 2010 CUA guideline, after at least two previous negative extended biopsies in high-risk cases, saturation with up to 45 cores detected cancer in 22.6% versus 10.9% for an 18-core set (p = 0.02), a Grade B recommendation that reflects historical advice rather than current repeat-biopsy pathways, which emphasize MRI assessment and selective use of saturation sampling.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/)\n\n**MRI-targeted schemes.** Three predominant targeting techniques exist: cognitive fusion (visual registration of MRI lesions on TRUS, the original method), mpMRI-TRUS software image fusion, and in-bore MRI targeting.[16](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/7/1424) Software-based co-registration integrating MRI with real-time TRUS is commercially available on multiple platforms.[17](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11934-016-0589-z) Probe and needle tracking is done by electromagnetic tracking (UroNav, Philips Healthcare), position-encoded sensors in robotic arms (Artemis, Eigen), or image-based software tracking (Trinity, Koelis).[16](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/7/1424) Targeted fusion biopsy uses far fewer cores, a mean of 5.3 (SD 2.6) versus 12.3 (SD 0.7) systematic extended-sextant cores.[18](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2091987)\n\n## Applications\n\nAdding targeted biopsy of visible lesions to systematic schemes increased cancer detection (57.8% vs 30.8%) with greater cancer volume per positive core and higher grade.[5](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/) Against prostatectomy specimens, targeted MR/US fusion biopsy detected intermediate- to high-risk cancer with sensitivity 77% (95% CI 67-84) versus 53% (43-63) for standard extended-sextant biopsy, and 85% (76-91) for combined biopsy; accuracy was 73% versus 59%.[18](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2091987) In a meta-analysis, the pooled cancer detection rate for clinically significant prostate cancer was 0.83 (95% CI 0.76-0.90) for MRI-guided versus 0.63 (95% CI 0.53-0.74) for TRUS-guided biopsy, a pooled relative CDR of 1.24 (95% CI 1.03-1.50, p = 0.02); no individual MRI technique was superior (in-bore 0.87, cognitive 0.81, fusion 0.81; p = 0.55).[8](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9184263/) A network meta-analysis of 24 randomized trials found MRI-cognitive biopsy improved overall detection in previously negative patients versus 10-12-core TRUS biopsy with OR 3.92 (95% CI 2.17-6.41) and fusion with OR 1.78 (95% CI 1.02-3.07).[19](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12885-025-14203-y)\n\n## Limitations and alternatives\n\nTRUS systematic biopsy has a false-negative risk of 30-45% and an accuracy of only around 59%, with systematic errors in the anterior zone and midline that are hard to target; accessing the anterior zone and apex is particularly difficult, leading to under-sampling.[2](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-024-00884-2) • [20](https://www.ovid.com/journals/bjui/fulltext/10.1111/bju.70204~transrectal-vs-transperineal-prostate-biopsy-a-systematic) The approach also underdetects higher-grade cancers and overdetects low-grade (clinically insignificant) cancers.[21](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1801993) Reported complication rates for TRUS biopsy include visible haematuria 66.3%, haematospermia 38.8%, rectal bleeding 28.4%, genitourinary infection 6.1%, and urosepsis 0.5%.[6](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf) A systematic review of 165 studies with 162,577 patients reported sepsis rates of 0.8-0.9% for the transrectal route versus 0.1% transperineal.[9](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588931124001822)\n\nThe main alternative route is [transperineal biopsy](https://www.edgepedia.org/transperineal-biopsy), which the EAU now recommends (Strong) and which the ProBIOPSY consensus set as the standard, with periprostatic nerve block and no antibiotic prophylaxis for patients without risk factors.[3](https://www.urology.wiki/HandBooks/EAU/2025/1.EAU-Prostate-Cancer-2025_pocket%20updated.pdf) • [4](https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838%2826%2902233-5/fulltext) Compared with the transrectal approach, it carries lower risks of rectal bleeding (RR 0.05; 95% CI 0.02-0.13), urinary retention (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.49-0.99), and fever (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.15-0.39), but higher post-procedure pain (RR 2.04; 95% CI 1.47-2.82).[22](https://tau.amegroups.org/article/view/138721/html) In the PREVENT trial, zero of 287 transperineal patients versus four (1.4%) of 280 transrectal patients developed post-biopsy infection, with similar csPCa detection (53% vs 50%).[23](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38212178/) Published comparisons of cancer detection disagree: one meta-analysis of 20 studies found no significant difference (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.92-1.04; P = 0.46),[22](https://tau.amegroups.org/article/view/138721/html) while another of 12 studies with 8497 patients found local-anesthetic transperineal biopsy detected more Grade Group 2-5 cancer (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18) with lower infection (RR 0.68) and sepsis (RR 0.16).[20](https://www.ovid.com/journals/bjui/fulltext/10.1111/bju.70204~transrectal-vs-transperineal-prostate-biopsy-a-systematic) A third meta-analysis reconciles part of this: transperineal was superior in settings without MRI targeting (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.02-1.95) but not in MRI-targeted studies (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.85-1.36).[24](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12803996/)\n\nSystematic cores retain value alongside MRI targeting: they detect 5-16% of clinically significant cancers that MRI-targeted biopsy alone would miss.[2](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-024-00884-2) In the PRECISION trial, slightly more than one quarter of men in the MRI-targeted group avoided biopsy altogether, and 30-day hematuria (30% vs 63%) and rectal bleeding (14% vs 22%) were less frequent than with standard TRUS biopsy.[21](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1801993) In the Canadian phase 3 trial, Grade Group 1 detection fell by more than half in the MRI arm (22% to 10%; risk difference -11.6%; 95% CI -18.2% to -4.9%) with 25% fewer adverse events.[25](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2775932) Fluoroquinolone resistance in rectal flora ranged from 9.4% to 60.9% across US geographic sites, and the European Commission banned empiric fluoroquinolone prophylaxis for transrectal biopsy.[23](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38212178/)\n\n## References\n\n1. [Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy of the Prostate - Introduction](https://nurses.uroweb.org/guidelines/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy-of-the-prostate/chapter/introduction)\n2. [Biopsy strategies in the era of mpMRI: a comprehensive review (Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, 2024)](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-024-00884-2)\n3. [EAU-EANM-ESTRO-ESUR-ISUP-SIOG Guidelines on Prostate Cancer (2025 pocket)](https://www.urology.wiki/HandBooks/EAU/2025/1.EAU-Prostate-Cancer-2025_pocket%20updated.pdf)\n4. [fulltext (europeanurology.com)](https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838%2826%2902233-5/fulltext)\n5. [CUA guidelines on prostate biopsy methodology](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2845759/)\n6. [EAUN guideline: Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy of the Prostate](https://baun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/13.2-72326_EAUN_TRUS_Guideline_lr-ONLINE-VERSION.pdf)\n7. [Guidelines for Transrectal Ultrasonography-Guided Prostate Biopsy: Korean Society of Urogenital Radiology Consensus Statement](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082664/)\n8. [Diagnostic accuracy of MRI targeted biopsy techniques compared to TRUS guided biopsy: systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9184263/)\n9. [Transperineal Versus Transrectal MRI-targeted Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588931124001822)\n10. [AIUM Practice Parameter for the Performance of Ultrasound Evaluation of the Prostate, 2025 Revision](https://www.aium.org/docs/default-source/official-statements-or-practice-parameters/prostate_2025.pdf)\n11. [Evaluation of MRI-TRUS Fusion Versus Cognitive Registration Accuracy for MRI-Targeted, TRUS-Guided Prostate Biopsy](https://www.ajronline.org/doi/full/10.2214/AJR.14.12681)\n12. [Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy of the Prostate - Patient Assessment and Preparation](https://nurses.uroweb.org/guidelines/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy-of-the-prostate/chapter/patient-assessment-and-preparation)\n13. [BAUS: Transrectal Ultrasound and Prostatic Biopsy - Guidelines & Recommendations for Training](https://www.baus.org.uk/_userfiles/pages/files/Publications/Transrectal%20Ultrasound%20%20Prostatic%20Biopsy%20FINAL.pdf)\n14. [Transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy of the prostate](https://journals.lww.com/kleu/fulltext/2021/14020/transrectal_ultrasonography_and_biopsy_of_the.5.aspx)\n15. [Utility of Ultrasound in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow-up of Prostate Cancer: State of the Art](https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/jnumed/57/Supplement_3/13S.full.pdf)\n16. [MRI–Ultrasound Fused Approach for Prostate Biopsy, How It Is Performed](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/16/7/1424)\n17. [Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Prostate Biopsy: Review of Technology, Techniques, and Outcomes](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11934-016-0589-z)\n18. [Comparison of MR/Ultrasound Fusion–Guided Biopsy With Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2091987)\n19. [Comparing the biopsy strategies of prostate cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis (BMC Cancer, 2025)](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12885-025-14203-y)\n20. [Transrectal vs transperineal prostate biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis (BJU International)](https://www.ovid.com/journals/bjui/fulltext/10.1111/bju.70204~transrectal-vs-transperineal-prostate-biopsy-a-systematic)\n21. [MRI-Targeted or Standard Biopsy for Prostate-Cancer Diagnosis (PRECISION trial)](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1801993)\n22. [Comparison of prostate cancer detection rates and complications between transrectal ultrasound-guided transperineal and transrectal biopsies: a systematic review and meta-analysis](https://tau.amegroups.org/article/view/138721/html)\n23. [Transperineal Versus Transrectal MRI-targeted and Systematic Prostate Biopsy to Prevent Infectious Complications: The PREVENT Randomized Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38212178/)\n24. [Transperineal Versus Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RCTs Across Settings With and Without MRI Targeting](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12803996/)\n25. [Comparison of Multiparametric MRI-Targeted Biopsy With Systematic Transrectal Ultrasonography Biopsy for Biopsy-Naive Men at Risk for Prostate Cancer: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2775932)\n26. [apps.medicines.org.au](https://apps.medicines.org.au/files/vepchiro.pdf)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Life and health › Human health and medicine › Clinical assessment and procedures › Endoscopy and biopsy procedures › Biopsy techniques*\n\n*Initially written Sep 29, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Sep 30, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy](https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy](https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/transrectal-ultrasound-guided-biopsy. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that uses spring-loaded needles to sample prostate cores through the rectum, typically taking 10 to 12 cores." }