title: Suction-modified Bergström muscle biopsy technique: experience with 13,500 procedures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bergström needle muscle biopsies have been used by exercise physiologists for over 35 years but have been less accepted by neuromuscular clinicians due to size concerns.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed over 13,500 muscle Bergström needle biopsies done over a 21-year period to determine sampling success, patient/subject experience, and complications. We compared sample yield between two different needles (Bergström vs. UCH), with and without suction modifications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Needle biopsies adequate for histology and enzymology were obtainable from the vastus lateralis, deltoid, biceps brachii, soleus, and medial gastrocnemius muscles, with a success rate of >99.9% and a minor complication rate of 0.15%. Approximately 450 muscle fibers were submitted for histologic assessment; suction modification and use of the Bergström vs. UCH needle were associated with larger sample size (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The suction-modified Bergström needle muscle biopsy technique is safe and provides an adequate sample size for histologic, ultrastructural, DNA, and enzyme analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street W, HSC-2H26, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada. tarnopol@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Tarnopolsky
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pearce
authors.forename: Katelyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Boleslaw
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018485:Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods