Evaluating Quality and Adequacy of Gastrointestinal Samples Collected using Reusable or Disposable Forceps

BACKGROUND: Sample quality of gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsies is of paramount importance for accurate histological diagnosis. Many veterinary practices use reusable forceps as a result of perceived decreased cost. With reusable forceps, it remains unknown whether sample quality declines with repeated use and becomes inferior to single-use forceps and is therefore more or less cost effective than single-use forceps.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The study hypothesis was that reusable forceps sample quality would deteriorate after repeated use as compared to single-use forceps.

ANIMALS: Sixty-five dogs undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy for diagnostic investigations at the Hospital for Small Animals, Edinburgh University.

METHOD: A prospective, pathologist-blinded study comparing single-use and reusable alligator standard cup biopsy forceps (Olympus 2.0 mm 1550 mm) with 5 randomized reusable forceps. Sample quality (stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon) was assessed by a single pathologist using the WSAVA guidelines.

RESULTS: There was no difference in the adequacy, depth, villi number, or crush artifact in the 4 intestinal areas between forceps type with at least 10, and up to 15, repeated uses of the reusable forceps.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study demonstrates that reusable cup biopsy forceps provide equivalent biopsy quality after repeated uses to single-use forceps and are cost effective at 10-case use.