ENFDSKIN BIOPSY
THE COMPLETE GUIDE

Choose an area to biopsied and cleanse it with an alcohol swab or providone-iodine solution. Administer 1%-2% lidocaine with epinephrine using a 30 gauge needle for anesthesia, but avoid injecting directly into the biopsy site.

For the area selected for the biopsy, identify the lines of the least skin tension. Stretch the skin around the biopsy site with your non-dominant hand perpendicular to these lines

Hold the 3mm punch biopsy instrument vertically over the skin, rotating it downward using a twirling motion with your dominant hand. Continue until the instrument has penetrated the dermis into the subcutaneous fat, then remove it.

Elevate the cylindrical skin specimen using the provided forceps. If necessary, use scissors to cut the specimen free from the subcutaneous tissues, making sure the cut is below the dermis level.

Handle the specimen carefully, grabbing only the skin edge to avoid crushing the tissue. Place the specimen in the provided fixative, secure it, and mail immediately.

Use the provided 2x2 sterile gauze to stop the initial bleeding and cover the biopsy site with a band-aid.

Keep the biopsy site clean, avoiding submersion in water for at least 24 hours. Change the bandage at least once a day or if it becomes wet or damp.