[Histonet] cervical biopsy method

[Kolman, Kimberly D.]

Looking for any folks out there who have experience with cervical biopsies obtained using the "SpiraBrush" technique.  It is from the Histologics Company and employs a fabric 'brush' to obtain the sample instead of the standard punch instrument.

One of our gynecologists would like to begin using it here to enhance samples; I am unfamiliar with it; my pathologist as well.  We wonder how labor-intensive it is to retrieve the fragments and how they well process.  My understanding is that the fragments would be very tiny; it sounds very unlikely to be able to orient them during embedding.....

Any input appreciated!
Thanks, Kim

Kimberly D. Kolman, HT (ASCP)
VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System
Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center
4101 S. 4th St. Trfwy.
Leavenworth, KS 66048
913-682-2000 x 52537
Fax: 913-758-4193
Kim.kolman at va.gov