Shave biopsy technique and hemostasis pearl

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Nurse practitioners (NPs) frequently manage patients with skin lesions.
• Assessing and diagnosing suspicious or aggravated skin lesions is a common NP responsibility.
• Performing shave biopsies and removing small neoplasms falls within the general NP scope of practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of shave biopsy techniques for nurse practitioners.
• To guide NPs in selecting appropriate biopsy methods and managing cosmetic concerns.
• To present an innovative technique for reducing bleeding during shave biopsies.

Main Methods:

• Detailed review of shave biopsy procedures.
• Inclusion of material requirements and photographic documentation.
• Explanation of blade preparation, orientation, and hemostasis techniques.

Main Results:

• Shave biopsy is a viable technique for NPs to manage skin lesions.
• Considerations for diagnostic yield and cosmetic outcomes are discussed.
• A novel method using aluminum chloride to minimize intraprocedure bleeding is presented.

Conclusions:

• Shave biopsies are an essential skill for nurse practitioners managing skin lesions.
• Proper technique and hemostasis are crucial for successful shave biopsies.
• The presented technique offers a practical approach to reduce intraprocedure bleeding.