Tissue samples are collected using a variety of methods, depending on the location and type of tissue needed. Several common techniques are detailed below:
Needle Biopsy
A needle biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure where a needle is inserted into the target area to withdraw cells or fluid using a syringe. This method is often used for obtaining small tissue samples, and typically requires minimal recovery time with only slight discomfort. [Reference: Collecting Samples for Laboratory Testing - Testing.com]
Surgical Biopsy
In cases requiring larger tissue samples or when specific tissue locations are inaccessible via needle biopsy, surgical procedures are utilized. These procedures involve a small incision to directly access and remove the tissue. The exact method depends on the location and size of the sample, with techniques ranging from simple excisions to more complex procedures. [Reference: From flat to overflowing: adding another dimension to tissue analysis]
Other Methods
The collection methods can also involve other approaches depending on the nature of the study and the tissue. For instance, in the case of meat safety studies, muscle tissue samples are collected from various parts of the animal carcass. [Reference: Updates on H5N1 Beef Safety Studies | USDA] Another example includes the aseptic collection of tissue samples from specific locations, like human breast tissue, for microbiome analysis. [Reference: The Microbiome of Aseptically Collected Human Breast Tissue in ...] Plant tissue samples might be collected at specific stages of growth or following experimental treatments. [Reference: GEO Accession viewer (GSM243976)]
In research settings like the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the methods employed may vary depending on the specific case and the type of sample. [Reference: TCGA - Data Types Collected - NCI]. The specifics of sample collection for each study are crucial for reproducibility and validity of the resulting data.
