Menstrual
Disorders Clinic
Investigations:
Endometrial Biopsy
Procedure A simple outpatient investigation used to sample a few cells from the lining of the womb. This test is very similar to having a smear taken but may be slightly more uncomfortable as the cells are taken from inside the uterus rather than the surface of the cervix. A small tube is passed through the cervix into the womb and with suction a few cells are obtained.
Recovery No recovery is required and women may immediately return to their normal activities. You will experience a small amount of bleeding and discharge. You may drive immediately afterwards
Effectiveness Excludes the presence of abnormal cells in the lining of the womb. Excludes the presence of cancer.
Avoids the need for an operation under anaesthetic
Limitations Occasionally it is not possible to perform the procedure in the outpatients due to discomfort or narrowing of the cervix.
Risks Will cause slight discomfort during the test
Very small risk of infection
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This investigation is very similar to having a smear test taken. The woman lies in the same position and her doctor performas a vaginal examination. A very fine biopsy tube ('pipelle') is passed through the cervix and into the lining of the womb. A tiny biopsy is taken by applying suction to the tube. The specimen is sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope. The result is usually available in about one week. |
