Skin Biopsies Flashcards
shave biopsy
performed at the epidermis and superficial dermis, does not penetrate the fat
punch biopsy
small biopsies that produce a cone shaped core of tissue that reaches the subcutaneous fat
excision biopsy
elliptical or oval shaped section is cut away with the scalpel, often in several layers
how to embed shave biopsy
on edge, circular sample is often cut in half and the cut edge is used to stand the tissue up in the mold
how to embed punch biopsy
on edge, horizontal in the mold so all layers of the skin will be seen in the section
how to embed excision biopsy
on cut edge
when to shave
rapid removal of raised lesions
when to punch
for alopecia scalp biopsies to analyze hair follicles
when to excise
used for deep lesions or large skin tumors that require complete removal
tips for sectioning skin
water bath at 45-50C, chill on ice after facing, gloves to avoid skin cell contamination
why do we section nails?
when a fungal infection is suspected
what stains do we use on nails?
PAS stain and/or GMS
how to improve nail sectioning?
put veet or nair (hair remover) on the faced surface of the block for 10 minutes prior to sectioning
