Osteoarticular bone sample

• Sterility: ensure all instruments and the biopsy site are properly sterilized to prevent contamination
• Aseptic technique: use aseptic techniques throughout the procedure to maintain sample integrity
• Local anesthesia: administer local anesthesia to minimize patient discomfort
• Patient preparation: inform the patient about the procedure, including potential risks and benefits

More than one sample is recommended – up to five, but generally three – to help distinguish contamination in cases of infection caused by potential contaminants (e.g. coagulase-negative Staphylococci, Cutibacterium spp., Corynebacterium spp., etc.)

Preparation

• Disinfect the biopsy site thoroughly
• Use imaging techniques to accurately locate the biopsy site

Biopsy procedure

Needle biopsy

• Insert a sterile needle to extract a small bone marrow fragment and repeat it 3, up to 5 times
• Different types of needles may be used depending on the depth and nature of the biopsy

Open biopsy (if necessary)

• Make a small surgical incision to access and remove a larger tissue sample

Sample handling

• Handle the biopsy sample using aseptic techniques to avoid contamination
• Place the sample in an appropriate transport medium to preserve its integrity until it reaches the laboratory

• Sterile biopsy needles (different sizes and types depending on the depth and nature of the biopsy)
• Scalpel and surgical instruments (for open biopsies, including forecps, scissors and retractors)
• Sterile drapes and gloves (to maintain a sterile field and prevent contamination
• Antiseptic solution
• Transport medium (appropriate containers and media to preserve the sample’s integrity during transport to the laboratory)
• Imaging equipment (to guide the biopsy needle accurately)

• Sterility to prevent infection and avoid sample contamination
• Transport to the lab immediately

If not feasible, use an appropriate transport medium, such as an ESwab