What is a Biopsy?

A biopsy is the extraction of tissue samples and cells in order to analyze and identify cancer or other ailments. It's generally a low-risk procedure, but to the inexperienced patient it can seem daunting. While CT scans and x-rays can also be used to locate cancerous areas, these imaging devices can't distinguish them. This is why biopsies are essential when it comes to the treatment of cancers, allowing caregivers to quickly establish a treatment plan.

Types of Biopsies

• Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a medical procedure that is typically performed to assess the health and composition of the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue found within certain bones. This procedure is often used to diagnose and monitor various blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and certain anemias. During the biopsy, a needle is inserted into the bone, usually the hipbone or breastbone, to extract a tiny core of bone marrow.
• Endoscopic Biopsy: Endoscopic biopsies are valuable for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis, ulcers, and cancers, as well as respiratory conditions such as lung cancer or inflammatory lung diseases. These procedures are less invasive than traditional surgical biopsies, often resulting in shorter recovery times and reduced discomfort for the patient.
• Needle Biopsy: This minimally invasive technique is employed to diagnose and evaluate various conditions, such as tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities, without the need for more invasive surgical procedures. During a needle biopsy, the healthcare provider guides a needle precisely to the target area, often with the aid of imaging techniques like ultrasound, CT scans, or X-rays.
• Skin Biopsy: This is typically performed when a dermatologist or healthcare provider suspects a skin condition or lesion may be indicative of a skin disorder, infection, or skin cancer. During a skin biopsy, a small piece of skin, usually just a few millimeters in size, is removed from the affected area using a scalpel, punch tool, or a shave technique.
• Surgical Biopsy: During a surgical biopsy, a surgeon makes an incision in the skin or body cavity to access the target area. The tissue sample is then carefully excised and sent to a pathology laboratory for detailed examination. Surgical biopsies are used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including various cancers, tumors, and certain non-cancerous growths.

Essential Biopsy Tools

In order to provide the best care for a wide variety of patients, it’s important that caregivers have all the biopsy tools they need at their disposal. MFI Medical carries curettes, forceps, hooks, punches, and cell samplers. MFI carries brands also carries trusted brands such as Wallach and ConMed.

Curettes

Curette biopsies are reserved mostly for gynecological patients. The shape and style of curettes allows for gentle scraping of the lining of the uterus, with little to no trauma to the surrounding tissues. At MFI Medical, we carry Wallach curettes in the Novak, Townsend, London, and Kevorkian-Young styles.

Forceps

This biopsy tool is a grab-and-pull design for larger tissue samples, and is also known as a “pinch” biopsy. These are typically used for thick mucus samples or larger tissue removal. 

Hooks

Hooks are used during gynecological biopsies in order to stabilize the cervix and keep it secure while the sample is being extracted. The hooks are available in a variety of sizes, to allow access to the cervix. 

Punches

A biopsy punch is a different shape from the forceps. The forceps are designed to clasp or grasp a tissue sample, while a punch will take a “punch” of tissue sample to extract, similar to hole-punching a piece of paper. 

Cell Samplers

The Wallach Endocell Cell Sampler is a disposable, handheld suction device that can grab biopsy samples from the endometrium. It’s a non-traumatic form of sample retrieval that doesn’t require any cervical dilation.

Discounts on Biopsy Tools

Not only does MFI Medical strives to provide the best medical equipment available, but also works closely with brands to bring the best prices and discounts. This includes biopsy equipment, as well as other vital medical equipment from brands you trust. Don't leave without checking out that Discounts page and be sure to check back frequently, as these deals and discounts may change throughout the year.