Cutaneous biopsy device with handle and disposable tips

A cutaneous biopsy apparatus for obtaining a cutaneous biopsy sample comprising:

• a. disposable cutting means for severing a biopsy sample from cutaneous tissue and temporarily holding said sample;
• b. reusable handle means for handling the cutting means;
• c. coupling means for releasably coupling the disposable cutting means to the handle means;
• d. discharge means for discharging the cutaneous tissue from the disposable cutting means, and
• e. de-coupling means for dislodging the disposable cutting means from the reusable handle means.

A method of configuring a cutaneous biopsy device comprising a handle having a discharge end and a first disposable quick release tip, wherein the tip is stored within a first compartment of a container covered by a sterile barrier, the method comprising the steps:

• a. removing said sterile barrier configured to protect the first disposable quick-release tip enclosed in the first compartment;
• b. positioning said discharge end of a handle against the first disposable quick-release tip;
• c. inserting said discharge end into the first disposable quick-release tip;
• and
• d. coupling the handle to the first disposable quick-release tip with a friction joint coupling, wherein the first disposable quick-release tip is configured to obtain a tissue sample of a first size.

A method of operating a cutaneous tissue-sampling device having a substantially round cutting edge formed on the edge of a substantially cylindrical member, the method comprising the steps:

• a. pressing said cutting edge against a tissue, wherein the cutaneous tissue-sampling device is oriented on a conceptual plane at a reference angle of zero degrees;
• b. rotating the cutaneous tissue-sampling device around an axis of the reference angle while maintaining pressure against the tissue;
• c. moving the cutting edge into the tissue, thereby moving a tissue sample into the substantially cylindrical member;
• d. angling the cutaneous tissue-sampling device about a positive angle of orientation on the conceptual plane;
• e. rotating the cutaneous tissue-sampling device around an axis of the positive angle of orientation, thereby severing the tissue sample from underlying connective tissue;
• and
• f. withdrawing the cutaneous tissue-sampling device, wherein the tissue sample remains lodged within the substantially cylindrical member of the tissue sampling device.