This information has been designed to give a brief overview of what a skin biopsy is, how it is done and why it is a useful test. If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss anything in further detail, please feel free to ask your genetics doctor or counsellor.
What is a skin biopsy?
A skin biopsy is the removal of a small piece of skin, usually from a person’s forearm.
Why may a skin biopsy be useful?
Skin biopsies can help us make or rule out a diagnosis.
Consent and skin biopsy
Before you have a skin biopsy taken it is important that you understand what the procedure involves, what will happen to your skin sample, how you will be given the result of the test and what the implications of the test result might be. We need your written permission to perform a skin biopsy and your agreement is called consent.
How is a skin biopsy taken?
Skin biopsies are usually done using local anaesthetic. It is not a painful procedure.
It takes about 10 minutes to perform. A doctor will perform the procedure.
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic.
- A small amount of anaesthetic is applied to or injected into the skin to numb it.
- When the skin is numb a small circle of skin (3-4mm, less than a quarter the size of your little fingernail) is cut using a tool similar to a hole punch.
- The sample of skin is separated from the rest of the skin with a small scalpel and sent for analysis.
- Pressure is then applied to the site of the biopsy until the bleeding stops. Stitches are not usually required.
- A dressing is then applied.
- The area should be kept dry for 24 hours and then the dressing can be taken off after 2 or 3 days.
What are the complications?
The skin may begin to bleed again and require a fresh dressing.
There will be a small scar where the biopsy was taken. This is usually red at first and, with time, fades to a white colour.
There is a small risk that the skin may become infected at the biopsy site.
