From the Guidelines
The needle used for muscle biopsy is typically a core needle biopsy, with sizes ranging from 12 to 18 G, depending on the specific requirements of the procedure and the patient's condition. When considering the best approach for muscle biopsy, it's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of different needle sizes and types. According to a study published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 1, larger core needle biopsies, including 12,14, and 16 G, yield a higher amount of tissue, which is crucial for performing additional studies such as immunohistochemistry or cytogenetics.
The choice of needle size and type depends on various factors, including the anatomical location, size of the target lesion, and intent and extent of the resection. A study published in Gut 1 compared the use of different biopsy needles, including Tru-cut and Menghini needles, and found that larger gauge needles provide biopsy samples that are more technically adequate and have better diagnostic accuracy, with no significant increase in complications.
In the context of muscle biopsy, a core needle biopsy with a size of 14 or 16 G is often preferred, as it provides a good balance between tissue yield and minimization of complications. However, the specific needle size and type used may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and the clinical context. It's also important to note that the sampling of muscle tissue should be done in a way that prioritizes the patient's safety and comfort, while also ensuring that adequate tissue is obtained for diagnostic purposes 1.
From the Research
Needle Used for Muscle Biopsy
- The Bergström needle is commonly used for muscle biopsy, as seen in studies 2, 3, 4.
- The Bergström needle has been used by exercise physiologists for over 35 years and has been shown to provide adequate sample sizes for histologic, ultrastructural, DNA, and enzyme analysis 2.
- Other needles, such as the UCH needle, have also been used for muscle biopsy, but the Bergström needle has been associated with larger sample sizes 2.
- The use of a 5mm diameter needle has been shown to raise the mean sample weight compared to a 4mm diameter needle 3.
- Vacuum-assisted biopsy techniques, such as the Vacora® system, have also been used for muscle biopsy and have been shown to provide safe and effective methods for obtaining diagnostic muscle biopsy samples 5.
- Core needle muscle biopsy procedures have also been used and have been shown to be well-tolerated and suitable for children and adults, providing sufficient high-quality biopsy tissue for histologic assessment 6.