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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Before the skin biopsy, tell your doctor if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with a bleeding disorder
  • Have experienced excessive bleeding after other medical procedures
  • Are taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, aspiring-containing medications, warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin
  • Have a history of skin infections, including impetigo
  • Are taking medications that suppress the immune system, such as diabetes medications or medications used after an organ transplant
What you can expect Risks
References
  1. Alguire PC, et al. Skin biopsy techniques. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  2. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  3. Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  4. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 14, 2013.
MY00169 Feb. 16, 2013

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