Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of tissue from a human comprising, providing a source of gamma radiation in the tissue to be sampled, providing a biopsy tracer needle of a pharmaceutically acceptable metal having a radioactive material selected from the class consisting of Co-57, Cr-S1, Au-195, Cu-64, Zn-65, Fe-55, Ni-63, and Mn-54 in an amount sufficient to be discernible from the radiation emitted from the tissue to be sampled. The position of the biopsy tracer needle with respect to tissue to be sampled is visibly displayed to allow precise location of the biopsy tracer needle in the tissue to be sampled.