A biopsy is a sample of tissue taken from the body in order to examine it more closely. Dr. Gupta will request a biopsy when an initial test suggests an area of tissue in the body isn’t normal in appearance. In the case of the thyroid gland, the most common method for evaluation of a suspicious thyroid nodule is a technique known as fine needle aspiration. An ultrasound scanner helps to direct the needle to access the suspicious tissue accurately. In most cases, a biopsy is done to diagnose a problem and/or to determine the best therapy option.