Preparation for Your Examination: Skin Biopsy (Small Fiber Diagnostics)

What happens during the examination?

To assess the small nerve fibers in the skin (small fiber diagnostics), a very small skin sample (approximately 3 mm in diameter) is taken under local anesthesia. The biopsy is usually performed on the lower leg and only takes a few minutes.

The procedure is generally well tolerated. After disinfecting the skin, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic so that the biopsy can be performed with minimal discomfort. A small dressing is then applied to the biopsy site.

What happens to the skin sample after the biopsy?

The obtained tissue sample is carefully processed and sent to a specialized neuropathology laboratory. There, the sample undergoes detailed microscopic examination using special staining techniques that make the fine nerve fibers visible.

The analysis focuses in particular on the density and structure of the small nerve fibers within the skin. This allows us to determine whether there is damage or loss of these nerve fibers, as can occur in certain neurological conditions such as small fiber neuropathy.

Your preparation

• Please do not apply any cream, lotion, or ointment to the skin on the day before or the day of the examination.
• Please wear loose-fitting trousers that do not constrict the lower leg.
• If possible, avoid irritation or shaving of the biopsy area shortly before the examination.

After the examination

The biopsy site is very small and usually heals without complications within a few days. You may shower again after the period recommended by your physician. Please keep the area clean and dry according to the instructions provided after the procedure.