Clinical and Research Information

Skin Biopsy Procedure

A cutaneous nerve/skin biopsy is a very simple procedure that is performed in the outpatient setting and takes 10 to 15 minutes. First, the skin is thoroughly cleaned and a small injection of a local anesthetic to numb the skin is made. Then, a sample of skin is taken by a biopsy from the numb area of the skin. Finally, a band-aid dressing is used to cover the biopsy site. Generally, the skin heals easily within one to two weeks. The risk of bleeding or infection is extremely low. Patients who are anticoagulated with INR > 2.5 should not be biopsied.

Collaboration

If you are interested in beginning collaborative research with the Johns Hopkins Medicine Cutaneous Nerve Laboratory, please feel free to contact the director of the laboratory at 410-614-6399 or skin_biopsy@jhmi.edu.

How to set up a Lab

Collecting the necessary equipment and supplies is a crucial first step toward establishing your own lab. For more information about the protocols, processes and important considerations for starting a lab, please contact Peter Hauer, the senior administrative laboratory manager of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Cutaneous Nerve Laboratory at 410-955-3254 or phauer@jhmi.edu.