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Biopsy forceps are medical instruments used to collect small tissue samples for examination. They usually have jaws at the tip that open and close to grasp or cut tissue. Biopsy forceps can be used through endoscopes or during direct procedures depending on the body area being examined. The collected tissue is sent to a laboratory for microscopic review.
read more about biopsy forceps ...Biopsy forceps are used when a clinician needs a small tissue sample to help diagnose disease. They can be used in gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, gynecology, dermatology, and other specialties. The sample can help evaluate inflammation, infection, precancerous changes, cancer, or other abnormal tissue. The instrument choice depends on the site, tissue type, and procedure.
Biopsy forceps can be disposable or reusable, flexible or rigid, and electric or non-electric. Endoscopic biopsy forceps are long, thin instruments that pass through an endoscope channel. Some have cups, teeth, spikes, or alligator-style jaws to improve grip on certain tissue. Electric biopsy forceps can also use current for cutting or coagulation in selected procedures.
The clinician guides the forceps to the tissue that needs sampling. The jaws are opened, placed against the target area, then closed to remove a small piece of tissue. The sample is retrieved and placed in a container for pathology testing. In some procedures, bleeding control is done with pressure, medication, cautery, clips, or other tools.
Biopsy forceps must be sterile or properly reprocessed before use. Possible risks include bleeding, pain, infection, tissue injury, or perforation depending on the body area and procedure. Reusable forceps need careful cleaning, inspection, and sterilization between patients. Patients should follow aftercare instructions and report heavy bleeding, fever, severe pain, or worsening symptoms.
Yes. Flexible biopsy forceps are often passed through an endoscope to collect tissue from the digestive tract, airways, or other internal areas.
Discomfort depends on the procedure site and anesthesia used. Internal tissue sampling during sedated endoscopy is often not felt during the procedure.
Some are reusable and require validated reprocessing, while others are single-use. The product labeling and facility policy determine proper handling.
They usually remove small samples, not large growths. Some small polyps or lesions can be removed with other instruments or special techniques.
21 CFR 876.1075: Gastroenterology-urology biopsy instrument. eCFR. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-876/subpart-B/section-876.1075. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Biopsy Forceps: Product Classification. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfPCD/classification.cfm?ID=NLU. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Forceps, biopsy, non-electric: Product Classification. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpcd/classification.cfm?id=FCL. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532268/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Performance of disposable endoscopic forceps according to manufacturing process. Clinical Endoscopy (PubMed Central). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6506737/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.