Skin Collection Guide

Select the specimen type below to learn the proper skin collection procedure.

Procedures

Shave

Tools Required
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags

Choose your preferred tool to obtain the specimen.

#10 or #15 Scalpel
#10 or #15 Scalpel
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Notes

Attempt complete removal of the lesion.

Instructional Video
Procedures

Shave

Tools Required
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags

Choose your preferred tool to obtain the specimen.

#10 or #15 Scalpel
#10 or #15 Scalpel
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Notes

Attempt complete removal of the lesion.

Instructional Video
Procedures

Shave

Tools Required
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags

Choose your preferred tool to obtain the specimen.

#10 or #15 Scalpel
#10 or #15 Scalpel
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Notes

Hold blade parallel to skin and shallowly remove a thin disk.

Instructional Video
Procedures

Excision Punch

Tools Required
#10 or #15 Scalpel
#10 or #15 Scalpel
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags
Notes

3+ mm diameter punch.

Instructional Video
Procedures

Excision Punch

Tools Required
3mm Punch Tool
3mm Punch Tool
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags
Notes

From ulcer edge, include ulcer + adjacent lesion within punch.

Instructional Video
Procedures

Excision Punch

Tools Required
3mm Punch Tool
3mm Punch Tool
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags
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
Procedures

Excision + Swab

Tools Required

Excision 

#10 or #15 Scalpel
#10 or #15 Scalpel
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags

Swab

PCR Test or e-Swab
PCR Test or e-Swab
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags
Wound Measuring Guide
Wound Measuring Guide
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.

Procedures

Swab

Tools Required
PCR Test or e-Swab
PCR Test or e-Swab
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags
Wound Measuring Guide
Wound Measuring Guide
Notes
  1. Open sterile culture transport kit containing transport medium and remove swab.
  2. 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.
  3. Without touching swab to surrounding wound edges or skin, rotate tip of swab over a 1 cm area of open wound for 5 seconds.
  4. 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.

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

Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector
Double-edged Blade with Plastic Protector​
Double-edged Razor
Double-edged Razor
#10 or #15 Scalpel
#10 or #15 Scalpel
3mm Punch Tool
3mm Punch Tool
PCR Test or e-Swab
PCR Test or e-Swab
5cc Syringe
5cc Syringe w/21-Guage Needle and Black Syringe Cap
Nail Clippers
Nail Clippers
Formalin Vial
Formalin Vial
Empty Sterile Vial
Empty Sterile Vial
Nail Specimen Bag
Nail Specimen Bag
Biohazard Bags
Biohazard Bags

Comes with an absorbent pad and a second pocket for the requisition form.

Always use a biohazard bag when submitting specimens.

Wound Measuring Guide
Wound Measuring Guide