A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope.
❏½ A skin biopsy is usually undertaken using a local anaesthetic injection into the skin to numb the area.
❏½ After the procedure, a suture or dressing may be applied to the site of the biopsy.
❏½ Several different methods may be used to obtain a skin sample, depending on the size and location of the abnormal area of skin.
❏½ The skin sample is placed in a solution, such as formaldehyde, or in a sterile container if infection is suspected. In each of these procedures, the tissue is processed and then examined under a microscope.
❏½ A skin biopsy removes cells or skin samples from the surface of your body.
❏½ The sample taken from a skin biopsy is examined to provide information about your medical condition.
❏½ A dermatologist uses a skin biopsy to diagnose or rule out certain skin conditions and diseases.
Sources used in the preparation of this post:
❏½ [1} http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-biopsy/ ❏½ [2] http://www.webmd.com/cancer/skin-biopsy#1 ❏½ http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/skin-biopsy/home/ovc-20196287 ❏½ http://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-a-biopsy#1 ❏½ http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_biopsy/article.htm
