We are planning some studies assaying tissue collected by a minimally invasive muscle biopsy method. We have two scientists and a clinician working on this project. The clinician is not in a position to perform these biospsies on our patients. We are unclear as to the relevant regultion surrounding the ability of non-clinically trained scientific personnel to peform these tasks as ideally the two scientists would perform the biopsies. Further what are the costs involved in this proceedure (per patient) and what other consumables are needed?
Thanks Dr Sharma, I guess th problem with this technique would be that the investigation is interested in fat infiltration into muscle tissue and I'm assuming a punch biopsy would harvest subcutaneous fat?
Currently our muscle biopsies involve a significant incision in the thigh, any advance on this would be welcome. Certainly the procedure as it stands has to be done by a surgeon. Can you describe your minimally invasive method?
Dear Dr Kimble, here is a validation study of the minimally invasive technique described
http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/25/3/431.long
Dear Alexander,
looks interesting. Obviously enough for a biopsy for someone with COPD, but the muscle biopsies we are doing in children require larger pieces (according to our pathologists). If a technician can take a bone marrow from a patient, I see no reason why they could not take a muscle biopsy with a needle.
Dear Dr. Kimble
Thankfully we have secured a clinical collaborator who is able to perform biopsies for us (though using the Bergstrom technique). I'm also not sure if the device has TGA approval. My original question was a fishing trip for some relevant expertise.
I hope you are able to secure the samples you need will minimal risk and discomfort to your patients.
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