A biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from your cat for laboratory analysis. It is one of the most important diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine, particularly for investigating lumps, skin conditions, and organ disease. Here is what a biopsy costs in the UK.

Average Biopsy Costs

  • Fine needle aspirate (FNA): £100 to £250 (often done during a consultation)
  • Punch biopsy (skin): £200 to £400 (usually under sedation)
  • Incisional or excisional biopsy (surgical): £400 to £1,000+ (under general anaesthetic)
  • Endoscopic biopsy (stomach/intestine): £800 to £2,000 (specialist procedure)
  • Histopathology lab fee: £80 to £250 (on top of the procedure cost)

The total cost depends on the type of biopsy, how the sample is collected, and the laboratory analysis required.

What Affects the Price

Type of Biopsy

A fine needle aspirate is the simplest and cheapest option — a thin needle is inserted into a lump, cells are collected, and the sample is examined under a microscope. It can often be done during a normal consultation without sedation. Surgical biopsies and endoscopic biopsies are more invasive, require anaesthesia, and cost significantly more.

Sedation or General Anaesthetic

FNA may need no sedation at all. Punch biopsies usually require light sedation (£50–£150). Surgical and endoscopic biopsies require full general anaesthetic (£150–£300+), which adds to the total cost.

Laboratory Analysis

The tissue sample must be sent to a veterinary pathology laboratory for analysis. Cytology (from FNA) typically costs £50–£100. Histopathology (from punch or surgical biopsies) costs £100–£250. Some complex cases may require immunohistochemistry or special stains, adding another £50–£150.

Location of the Biopsy Site

Superficial skin biopsies are straightforward. Internal organ biopsies (liver, kidney, intestine) require either ultrasound guidance, endoscopy, or exploratory surgery, all of which increase the cost significantly.

What Should Be Included

A biopsy quote should cover:

  • The biopsy procedure itself
  • Sedation or anaesthetic as required
  • Sample preparation and submission to the lab
  • Histopathology or cytology laboratory fee
  • Follow-up consultation to discuss results

Some practices quote the procedure and lab fees separately. Always ask for the total cost including lab work.

How to Save

  • Pet insurance: Biopsies are covered under most comprehensive policies as a diagnostic procedure. Ensure you have not exceeded your per-condition limit.
  • Start with FNA: Where appropriate, a fine needle aspirate can provide a diagnosis without the expense of a surgical biopsy. Discuss with your vet whether FNA is suitable for your cat's situation.
  • Compare practices: Lab fees are relatively standard, but procedure costs vary between practices. Use VetCost to compare prices.
  • Ask about in-house cytology: Some practices have in-house microscopy and can examine FNA samples immediately, saving the external lab fee.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: VetCost practice data, RCVS diagnostic pricing surveys.