Understanding pathologists (an exercise in communication): 2. Understanding biopsy techniques

For the best possible report to be made, it is necessary for the appropriate specimen to be taken and transported in the appropriate manner, and then correctly processed. In the second of a four-part series aiming to 'demystify' the subject of pathology, the author critically evaluates biopsy techniques. The next two articles in this series will look in some detail at the pathologist's report and special laboratory investigations.