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. 2022 Nov 1;34(11):1212-1215.
doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000791.

Shave biopsy technique and hemostasis pearl

Katherine Ada Twede  1 , Aimee Kim Bui, Jennifer Burke
Affiliations

Shave biopsy technique and hemostasis pearl

Katherine Ada Twede et al. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. .

Abstract

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are frequently called on to assess and diagnose patients presenting with suspicious or aggravated skin lesions. Performing shave biopsies and removing small neoplasms can be within the scope of a general NP. We offer a thorough review of shave biopsy methods, including required materials, photographic documentation, blade preparation and orientation, and hemostasis techniques. Diagnostic considerations when choosing a shave versus other biopsy techniques are reviewed as is the removal of lesions in cosmetically sensitive areas. Finally, a unique tip to diminish intraprocedure bleeding using aluminum chloride before procedure initiation is presented.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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