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.