Endometrial Biopsy - Endometrial Biopsy Procedure

Endometrial Biopsy Procedure

Generally, an endometrial biopsy follows this process:

1. The patient is asked to lie on the table with her feet in the stirrups for a pelvic examination. She may or may not be given localized anesthesia.

2. A speculum will be inserted into the vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the cervix.The cervix will then be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.

3. A tenaculum, a type of forceps, will hold the cervix steady for the biopsy.

4. The biopsy curette will be inserted into the uterine fundus and with a scraping and rotating motion some tissue will be removed.

5. The removed tissue will be placed in formalin or equivalent for preservation.

6. The tissue will be sent to a laboratory, where it will be processed and tested. It will then be read microscopically by a pathologist who will provide a histologic diagnosis.

Both the application of the tenaculum as well as the removal of tissue by the biopsy may cause pain. Patients, in general, may want to take some pain medication (such as ibuprofen) before the procedure and inquire about local anesthesia.