Tissue biopsy collection involves obtaining a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. This helps diagnose various medical conditions. Several methods are used depending on the location and type of tissue needed:
Methods of Tissue Biopsy Collection
Several techniques exist for collecting tissue biopsies, each suited to different locations and tissue types:
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Needle Aspiration: A thin needle is inserted into the suspicious area to draw out cells or fluid. This is commonly used for biopsies of organs like the liver, kidney, or thyroid.
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Swabbing: A sterile cotton swab is used to collect surface cells, often from areas like the cervix or throat. This is a less invasive technique for obtaining superficial tissue samples.
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Curettage: A small spoon-shaped instrument called a curette is used to scrape tissue from a surface area. This technique is often used for endometrial biopsies or to remove abnormal growths.
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Trephining: A small cylindrical tool is used to remove a core sample of tissue, typically from bone. This is a more invasive procedure used for bone marrow biopsies or to obtain bone tissue samples.
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Excisional Biopsy: This involves surgically removing the entire abnormal area or a significant portion of it. Forceps or an electric snare may be employed for this, which are used for larger tissue samples or lesions. This can be a more involved procedure than other methods.
The material for the biopsy may be obtained by several methods and with various instruments, including aspiration through a needle, swabbing with a sponge, scraping with a curette, trephining a bone, or excision with forceps or an electric snare.
