Peer Reviewed
Practical procedures

Skin biopsy techniques: a step-by-step guide

Michelle Hunt
Abstract
Here is a guide to the various types of skin biopsy technique and their indications and limitations.
Key Points

    Skin biopsy is used to confirm a clinical diagnosis, or help establish one when the clinical diagnosis is unclear. Excision biopsy can also be used to remove a lesion for cosmetic reasons or because of malignancy. A thorough understanding of the indications for skin biopsy, the available techniques and their limitations is essential. In all cases, correlation of clinical and histological findings is mandatory.