Scalp Biopsies: Set Up
Set Up
A scalp biopsy is a short procedure performed under local anesthesia which allows a small 4 mm cylindrical sample of hair and skin to be obtained from the scalp.
A "punch" is a sharp circular instrument that allows a core of skin to be taken. Once the sample is removed from the scalp, it is placed in a liquid solution called formalin and then sent off to the laboratory. A suture (stitch) is generally placed in the scalp at the site where the biopsy was performed.
This article was written by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a Canadian and US board certified dermatologist specializing exclusively in hair loss.