The BX medical abbreviation means biopsy, a procedure that removes a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells so a pathologist can look at it under a microscope. It is usually written Bx or bx, with a capital B and a lowercase x, though you may also see BX in all capitals.
The x belongs to a family of shorthand where the letter x replaces the tail end of a longer word, like Hx meaning history, Dx diagnosis and Tx treatment. A biopsy is often the step that turns a suspicion into a confirmed diagnosis. Below you will find the main types, how to read a biopsy line, and what happens after the sample is taken.
At a glance
Stands for
BiopsyWritten as
Bx, bx, BX; plural Bxs or biopsiesWord roots
Greek bios (life) and opsis (sight), viewing living tissueResult comes from
Pathology, often written pathRelated shorthand
Dx, Tx, Hx, Sx, FxWhere you see it
Procedure notes, imaging reports, referral letters, problem lists
What the BX medical abbreviation means in practice
A biopsy collects tissue from an area that looks abnormal on an exam or scan, such as a lump, a skin spot, a shadow on imaging or an irritated patch inside the gut. The sample goes to a lab where it is processed, stained and examined. The pathologist then writes a report saying what kind of cells are present, whether they look benign or cancerous, and other details that guide care.
Biopsies help diagnose much more than cancer. They are used for inflammation, infection, kidney and liver diseases, skin conditions and transplant checks.
Common biopsy types you may see
| Type | How the sample is taken |
|---|---|
| Fine needle aspiration (FNA) | A thin needle draws out cells |
| Core needle Bx | A larger hollow needle takes thin cylinders of tissue |
| Punch Bx | A small round blade removes a plug of skin |
| Shave Bx | A blade removes the top layers of a skin lesion |
| Excisional Bx | The whole lump or spot is removed |
| Incisional Bx | Only part of a larger lesion is removed |
| Endoscopic Bx | Samples taken through a scope, as during EGD or colonoscopy |
Ultrasound, CT or MRI scans often help steer the needle to the target.
Reading a biopsy line word by word
Imaging report: "US-guided core Bx R breast mass, path pending." US-guided means ultrasound was used to aim the needle. Core Bx means a hollow needle took small tissue cylinders. R breast mass is the target, and path pending means the pathology result is not back yet.
Clinic note: "Punch Bx L forearm lesion, f/u 1 wk for results and suture removal." A small round skin sample was taken from the left forearm, and a visit is planned in one week to review results and remove the stitch.
Bx and the other x abbreviations
Because many terms share the same pattern, a smudged first letter can change the meaning. Here are the ones most often seen together.
After a biopsy: waiting for results
Results often take a few days, and longer when special stains or genetic tests are added. Some clinics release reports to a patient portal before the doctor reviews them, which can be stressful to read alone. Medical words such as benign, malignant, atypical or inconclusive each carry specific meanings, and the ordering clinician can explain how they apply.
This is general information about what the abbreviation means. For questions about a specific biopsy, its results or the next steps, the clinician who ordered it is the person to ask.
Other procedure terms sit together in the surgical abbreviations guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does Bx mean on a medical report?
Bx means biopsy, a tissue sample taken for examination under a microscope. The report usually names the type and location, such as core Bx of the liver.
What does path pending mean after a biopsy?
It means the pathology results are not ready yet. The sample is still being processed and reviewed by a pathologist.
Does a biopsy mean cancer?
No. A biopsy is a test to find out what is going on, and many biopsies show benign or inflammatory changes. It is used for many conditions besides cancer.
What is the difference between FNA and core biopsy?
FNA uses a very thin needle to collect loose cells, while a core biopsy uses a larger needle to remove small strips of tissue. Core samples show how cells are arranged, which can give more detail.