Skin Biopsy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• Tell your doctor if you are taking aspirin or a medicine to thin your blood.
• Tell your doctor if you have had surgery on your heart.
• Eat a light meal shortly before your biopsy.

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Your Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• During the Biopsy...
  • You will need to lie still and move as little as possible. Your doctor will give you numbing medicine, so you will feel little pain. The area where the tissue (skin) is to be removed will be washed with soap and water.
  • Your doctor will carefully remove the tissue and send it to the lab for tests. Sutures (stitches) may be used to close the wound. A bandage will be put on the wound.
  • The skin biopsy may take about 15 to 30 minutes.

After You Leave

• Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours. Do not shower without covering the wound.
• Cover the incision site with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing for 1 to 2 days.
• Your doctor will tell you when to return to have your stitches taken out.
• You may resume normal activities and begin eating and drinking as soon as you feel up to it.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The area of the biopsy is red and tender.
• There is any more bleeding than a spot on the bandage.
• You have severe pain in the area of the biopsy for more than 24 hours.
• You develop a high temperature.

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