When and How to Perform a Biopsy on a Chronic Wound

In Brief PURPOSE: To enhance the learner's competence with knowledge of biopsy techniques and when to perform biopsies on specific chronic wounds. TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES: After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to: Distinguish between different types of chronic wounds that require biopsies. Apply knowledge of biopsy techniques to obtain quality results. Analyze various types of chronic wounds to determine the appropriate type of biopsy needed. In this continuing education activity, the authors emphasize the role of wound biopsy in the management of various chronic wounds, present the available techniques for wound biopsy, and identify the appropriate location for the biopsy based on the underlying etiologies.