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Biopsy

(Science: investigation, procedure, surgery) a biopsy refers to a procedure that involves obtaining a tissue specimen for microscopic analysis to establish a precise diagnosis.

Biopsies can be accomplished with a biopsy needle (passed through the skin into the organ in question) or by open surgical incision.

See: abdominal wall fat pad biopsy, endometrial biopsy, heart biopsy, muscle biopsy, needle biopsy, nerve biopsy, open lung biopsy, pleural needle biopsy, salivary gland biopsy. Examination of tissues or liquids from the living body to determine the existence or cause of a disease.The removal of tissue to be studied physically and chemically to give a diagnosis of its condition or the condition of the organism as a whole.