Dermatologist how-to

How to Do a Shave Biopsy

Biopsies confirm diagnoses.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Biopsies confirm diagnoses. In short: mark; clean; shave, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Mark the lesion.

  2. Clean and numb the area.

  3. Shave the lesion with a blade.

  4. Stop bleeding.

  5. Label and send the sample.

  6. Explain wound care.

Safety reminders for dermatologists

  • Use sterile technique for procedures
  • Handle lasers safely
  • Label specimens correctly
  • Follow infection control

Dermoscopy · Melanoma · Basal cell carcinoma · Biopsy · Eczema · Psoriasis: see the full dermatologist glossary.

More dermatologist how-to guides

Learn this in Dermatologist trainingTake the practice test
Enroll in trainingTake fit quiz