How to Speak With Patients About Potential Changes to Care During Biopsy Needle Delays

Kathryn Eckert, DO, a breast surgeon at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, discussed how her practice communicates with patients about the ongoing breast biopsy needle shortage and whether referral guidelines have changed. The shortage began after Hologic recalled its Brevera Breast Biopsy System Disposable 9 Gauge Needle in January 2026, and the FDA has recommended providers develop conservation strategies while maintaining focus on minimizing delays to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Eckert explained that her team has kept its evidence-based referral guidelines in place while being transparent with patients about the broader supply issue.

To read the full discussion with Eckert and her colleague Harriet Borofsky, MD, visit: https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/half-a-year-into-the-breast-biopsy-needle-shortage-clinicians-lean-on-networks-not-workarounds

Transcript:

CancerNetwork: If you are dealing with specific delays, how do you manage that conversation with the patient?

Eckert: It’s a combination discussion. We make sure patients know we’re working on our end, so they don’t feel like they’re being delayed because of a technology issue. It’s always about keeping patients informed and making sure they understand what’s happening, while also giving them information about how we’re working together as a team, so they don’t feel like their care is being delayed or that they’re not being appropriately looked after by their providers.

CancerNetwork: Looking at the referral process, are you selecting specific patients for biopsy vs ultrasound because of the needle shortage, or are there specific guidelines you’re following?

Eckert: We haven’t changed our practice pattern because of the needle shortage. We’re still using our evidence-based guidelines to make sure the appropriate patients who need biopsies are being referred for them, so from that perspective, it hasn’t changed our practice at all. We want to make sure everyone who requires a biopsy is getting one, and we’re very hands-on as a practice in coordinating with our radiology colleagues to make that happen.

Reference

Disruptions in availability of breast biopsy needles: letter to health care providers. News release. FDA. June 16, 2026. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://tinyurl.com/6ej3dufn