How you prepare
By Mayo Clinic staffBefore 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
References
- Alguire PC, et al. Skin biopsy techniques. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 3, 2010.
- Dermatologic surgical procedures. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=aboutPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniq=208746819. Accessed Sept. 3, 2010.
- Armstrong CA. Examination of the skin and approach to diagnosing skin diseases. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Sept. 3, 2010.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 15, 2010.

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