Evaluating Quality and Adequacy of Gastrointestinal Samples Collected using Reusable or Disposable Forceps

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Accurate histological diagnosis in veterinary medicine relies heavily on gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy sample quality.
• Reusable biopsy forceps are often perceived as more cost-effective in veterinary practices.
• The impact of repeated use on the quality of reusable forceps compared to single-use alternatives remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if reusable biopsy forceps' sample quality deteriorates with repeated use compared to single-use forceps.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of reusable biopsy forceps in veterinary endoscopy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, pathologist-blinded study was conducted on 65 dogs undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• Single-use and reusable alligator standard cup biopsy forceps were compared.
• Sample quality, including adequacy, depth, villi number, and crush artifact, was assessed by a pathologist using WSAVA guidelines across stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in sample adequacy, depth, villi number, or crush artifact were observed between reusable and single-use forceps.
• These findings held true even after 10 to 15 repeated uses of the reusable forceps across four intestinal areas.

Conclusions:

• Reusable cup biopsy forceps provide biopsy sample quality equivalent to single-use forceps, even after multiple uses.
• Reusable forceps are demonstrated to be a cost-effective option when used for at least 10 cases.