Tests and scans
A transrectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) is an examination of the prostate gland using . The doctor puts an ultrasound probe into your .
A TRUS guided is when the doctor or nurse takes a sample of tissue during a TRUS. They use a thin needle to take the biopsy from the prostate through the wall of the rectum.
You usually have an before your TRUS guided biopsy. The MRI scan helps your doctor decide whether you need a biopsy and where to take the biopsies from.
Go to our information about prostate cancer
When you arrive at the department, a staff member asks you to take your lower clothes off and change into a hospital gown.
Before you have the TRUS, your doctor shows you the ultrasound machine. They also show you the very fine needle they use to take the tissue samples if you are having a TRUS guided biopsy. It can make quite a loud noise, so it’s good to expect this.
Your doctor will explain what happens before they start, and you can ask any questions.
You lie down on the scan table. They usually ask you to lie on your left side with your knees pulled up towards your chest. Your specialist injects local anaesthetic into your back passage (rectum), to numb the area.
The doctor puts an ultrasound probe into your rectum to examine your prostate. To get the samples of prostate tissue, they push the fine needle along the ultrasound probe and into the prostate gland.
Your doctor uses the information from your MRI scan to guide where to take the biopsies from. Doctors call these targeted biopsies. They usually also take samples from other areas of the prostate. These are systematic biopsies. If your MRI did not show any specific area that looks suspicious, then you only have systematic biopsies taken.
Your doctor will tell you how many biopsies they plan to take. The whole procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
After the test, you have a rest and a drink. The team monitors you for at least 30 minutes afterwards. You can then go home. It’s important to drink a lot of fluids for the next 24 hours.
You won't get any results at the time of the scan. Any prostate tissue samples taken are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope. You should get your results within 1 or 3 weeks.
Waiting for test results can make you anxious. Ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them. Contact them if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.
You might have the contact details for a specialist nurse. You can contact them for information and support if you need to. It may help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.
Last reviewed: 14 May 2025
Next review due: 14 May 2028
Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, and is at the base of the bladder.
A multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is a special type of MRI scan. You usually have a mpMRI scan to help diagnose prostate cancer.
You have a number of tests to check for prostate cancer. These may include a digital rectal examination, a PSA blood test, scans and a biopsy.
Your doctor might take small samples of tissue from your prostate through the skin behind the testicles (perineum). This is a transperineal biopsy for prostate cancer.
Find out about tests to diagnose cancer and monitor it during and after treatment, including what each test can show, how you have it and how to prepare.
Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder and is about the size of a walnut.
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