How to Use Biopsy Punches: Sizes, Techniques, and Safety Tips

Introduction 

Skin biopsy is an invaluable tool in the dermatologist’s diagnostic arsenal. It not only aids in diagnosis in dilemma cases but also detects something unusual in routine practice.

In the era of evidence-based medicine, litigation, and consumer activism, skin biopsy punches help to ensure documented evidence of the diagnosis made and the basis for the treatment initiated. Therefore, a basic understanding of skin biopsy techniques is essential to obtain the maximum benefit from this procedure.

What is a skin biopsy?

A skin biopsy is the process of removing a sample of skin. The medical biopsy punches are usually done using a local anesthetic injection into the skin to numb the area. The injection stings the skin temporarily, and then stitches or a dressing may be placed over the biopsy site. 

Biopsy Punch Sizes

To use biopsy punches correctly, must have an understanding of biopsy punch sizes to ensure diagnostic accuracy and minimize patient complications. Biopsy punches come in different sizes, typically from 1 mm to 8 mm in diameter, to suit several clinical needs.

Medblade’s available biopsy punch sizes are:

  • 1 mm
  • 1.5 mm
  • 2 mm
  • 2.5 mm
  • 3 mm
  • 3.5 mm
  • 4 mm
  • 5 mm
  • 6 mm
  • 8 mm

Techniques of Punch Biopsy

A skin biopsy punch is usually the most useful technique of biopsy. It is a quick, easy-to-perform process that creates only a small wound. In this process, the biopsy punch instrument creates a full-thickness sample of the skin to check for a good view of the epidermis, dermis, and the subcutis.

Professionals use a disposable skin biopsy punch, which has a round stainless steel blade with 1-8 mm in diameter. They simply hold the biopsy punch instrument perpendicular to the anesthetized skin and then rotate it to pierce the skin. 

After that, the skin sample is removed using forceps and scissors. To close the punch biopsy wound or to help control bleeding, sutures may be used. However, if the wound is small, it may heal adequately without them.

How to Use Biopsy Punches

The biopsy punch is used to clean and numb the skin, placing a sharp, hollow cylinder over the target area and rotating it downward until it cuts through all layers of skin tissues and fat. Then gently remove the tissue with Medblade’s punch biopsy tools and trim the base with scissors before placing the wound in a suture or closing the wound.    

Biopsy punch tools for dermatology are not just used in dermal processes but also designed for cosmetic procedures, therapeutic, and the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. 

  • Biopharmacology: Obtain neurotransmitters to check the metabolic changes in response to active substances.
  • Microfluidics: Researchers can punch flow inlets into PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) molded microfluidic chambers.
  • Plant and medical genomics: Samples can be collected from plant leaves, flowers, and stems for use in DNA isolation applications.

Applications of Biopsy Punches

Disposable biopsy punches are widely used in medical, clinical, and research settings due to their precision. They allow professionals to obtain full-thickness tissue samples with minimal trauma. Below are some common applications of biopsy punches:

Dermatology

Biopsy punches are used to diagnose various skin conditions in dermatology. These tools obtain tissue samples for the inflammatory skin disorders diagnosis. 

Diagnostic Medicine

Punch biopsies help in diagnostic medicine by aiding in the early detection of disease. The samples collected are examined to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment plans. However, this makes reusable biopsy punches a valuable tool in evidence-based clinical practice.

Cosmetic Procedures

Biopsy punches are also used in cosmetic dermatology for minor therapeutic procedures, including removing cysts, small benign lesions, or skin tags. They are also helpful in aesthetic research to study the skin's response to therapeutic and regenerative treatments.

Medical Testing

The medical biopsy punches are used for wound healing products, testing biomaterials, and tissue engineering applications. The precise cutting of these tools ensures sample consistency for reliable results.

What happens to the biopsy specimen?

When a skin biopsy is done, the sample is placed in a small jar in formalin and sent to the laboratory for histopathological examination, paraffin fixation, and processing.

The specimen may be divided so that one portion of the specimen is sent in formalin for histopathology and the other is placed on a saline-soaked gauze swab for microbiology, if deep fungal infection or mycobacteria are suspected.

Getting Biopsy Results

Getting biopsy results usually takes a week or two to get the results from the pathology laboratory, but sometimes it can take longer if a second opinion is needed. 

Safety Tips to Follow

  • Aseptic Technique: Although this procedure is generally considered clean rather than completely sterile, use sterile gloves, and thoroughly clean the skin surface to avoid infection.
  • Anatomical Awareness: for this process, be aware of underlying arteries, nerves, and bones, especially in thin skin areas such as the ears, face, or fingers, to avoid injury. Make sure that the skin biopsy punch is not inserted too deeply.
  • Specimen Handling: Handle tissue samples gently with a needle tip or toothless forceps to avoid crushing specimens that could compromise pathological examination.
  • Disposable Biopsy Punches: Most sterile biopsy punches are designed for single use only to ensure blade sharpness and prevent cross-contamination. 
  • Patient Monitoring: Always check the patient for allergies to anesthetics or antiseptics and manage excessive bleeding during and after the procedure as appropriate.

Conclusion

Biopsy punches are essential diagnostic tools used in dermatology and other medical procedures to obtain precise tissue samples. Biopsy punch tools for dermatology are available in a variety of sizes that allow clinicians to select the most appropriate option based on the type of lesion. 

When used correctly, punch biopsy tools help ensure accurate sampling while promoting effective healing and minimizing tissue trauma. Selecting high-quality, sterile biopsy punches and practicing proper handling techniques helps to achieve reliable diagnostic results and maintain patient safety.

 

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