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HomeAbout lab tests and arthritisBlood testsImmunological blood testsUrine testsJoint fluid testsBiopsiesAbout biopsies Skin biopsies Muscle biopsies Kidney biopsies Other biopsies X-raysConclusion

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Lab Tests.

Last updated Tuesday, January 04, 2005

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Biopsies

About biopsies

To help confirm a diagnosis or check on the status of disease activity, your doctor may order a biopsy (or removal of a small piece of tissue) to be examined under a microscope. Three of the most common biopsies include skin, muscle, and kidney biopsies.

Skin biopsies

These are usually done to aid the diagnosis of lupus, vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), psoriatic arthritis (inflammation of joints and scaly, inflamed skin), or other forms of arthritis that involve the skin. After using a local anesthetic, a tiny piece of skin is removed.

Muscle biopsies

These are similar to skin biopsies, except the surgeon must go deeper into tissue. Muscle biopsies are used to look for signs of damage to the muscle fibers. This information can help confirm the diagnosis of polymyositis or vasculitis.

Kidney biopsies

These are usually done to check for signs of damage from a disease such as lupus. They are usually done by passing a needle through the back and withdrawing a bit of tissue for examination.

Other biopsies

Other biopsies are done on a less frequent basis. These include synovial, lung, salivary gland, and blood vessel biopsies. Liver biopsies are occasionally done to check for signs of damage in people receiving methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis.

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