Overview
To obtain a sample of lymph tissue for biopsy, a needle is inserted within the lymph node and a sample of fluid is sent to the laboratory. The laboratory test isolates and identifies organisms that cause infection. The test may be performed if plague is suspected, but it is rarely done otherwise.
Review Date 12/31/2023
Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.