title: The scalp biopsy: making it more efficient.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The scalp biopsy plays an important role in diagnosis and subsequent management of many scalp disorders. This simple diagnostic procedure can be time-consuming and frustrating for most dermatologists.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To outline an efficient technique for performing a scalp biopsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The technique of performing a scalp biopsy is reviewed and suggestions are made to make this time-consuming procedure more efficient.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sufficient specimen for histopathologic evaluation in a short perid of time is obtained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Attention to specific details in performing a scalp biopsy allows the physician to obtain a quick and histopathologically informative scalp biopsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Madani
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation