Skin Collection Guide
Select the specimen type below to learn the proper skin collection procedure.
Pigmented Lesion (R/o Melanoma)
Procedures
Shave
Tools Required
Choose your preferred tool to obtain the specimen.
Notes
Attempt complete removal of the lesion.
Instructional Video
Non-Pigmented Lesion (Verruca/R/o Carcinoma)
Procedures
Shave
Tools Required
Choose your preferred tool to obtain the specimen.
Notes
Attempt complete removal of the lesion.
Instructional Video
Tinea
Procedures
Shave
Tools Required
Choose your preferred tool to obtain the specimen.
Notes
Hold blade parallel to skin and shallowly remove a thin disk.
Instructional Video
Dermatitis/Rash
Procedures
Excision Punch
Tools Required
Notes
3+ mm diameter punch.
Instructional Video
Ulceration (Malignancy)
Procedures
Excision Punch
Tools Required
Notes
From ulcer edge, include ulcer + adjacent lesion within punch.
Instructional Video
Ulceration (Vasculitis)
Procedures
Excision Punch
Tools Required
Notes
From normal-appearing skin, punch >3mm away from ulcer bed (ulcer has inherent vasculitis and is not representative of pathological vasculitis when present).
Instructional Video
Osteomyelitis
Procedures
Excision + Swab
Tools Required
ExcisionÂ
Swab
Notes
Attempt removal of bony section.
If culture is desired, obtain swab separately (refer to notes in wound collection).
Instructional Video
The video is currently unavailable.
Wound
Procedures
Swab
Tools Required
Notes
- Open sterile culture transport kit containing transport medium and remove swab.
- If wound is dry, moisten tip of swab with transport fluid or sterile preservative-free saline. If wound is moist after cleaning, this step is not necessary.
- Without touching swab to surrounding wound edges or skin, rotate tip of swab over a 1 cm area of open wound for 5 seconds.
- Return swab to transport tube with medium. Snap off swab stick where marked and tightly seal tube for shipment before placing in biohazard bag.
Instructional Video
Click on an image below to view other collection procedures.
Soft Tissue
Collection
Soft Tissue
Collection
View Procedures
Fine Needle Aspiration
Collection
Fine Needle Aspiration
Collection
View Procedures
Nail Unit
Collection
Nail Unit
Collection
View Procedures
The 10 Commandments of Biopsy Collection​
Skin biopsies are essential procedures for health care providers who manage skin conditions. These office-based procedures can be used for the diagnosis of suspicious dermatologic lesions or definitive treatment for some malignant, irritated, or precancerous lesions.
This video will walk you through best practices for performing cutaneous biopsies.
Biopsy Supplies and Set-up
Proper exam room setup is essential for reducing prep time and improving efficiency when performing biopsies.
This educational video teaches the recommended tools needed for each type of biopsy.
Required Collection Tools
Comes with an absorbent pad and a second pocket for the requisition form.
Always use a biohazard bag when submitting specimens.