thumb Generally, an<unk>  follows this process: # The patient is asked to lie on the table with her feet in the stirrups for a pelvic examination. She may or may not be given localized anesthesia. # A speculum will be inserted into the vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the cervix. The cervix will then be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. # A tenaculum, a type of forceps, will hold the cervix steady for the<unk> . # The<unk>  curette will be inserted into the uterine fundus and with a scraping and rotating motion some tissue will be removed. # The removed tissue will be placed in formalin or equivalent for preservation. # The tissue will be sent to a laboratory, where it will be processed and tested. It will then be read microscopically by a pathologist who will provide a histologic diagnosis. Both the application of the tenaculum as well as the removal of tissue by the<unk>  may cause pain. Patients, in general, may want to take some pain medication (such as ibuprofen) before the procedure and inquire about local anesthesia. Instruments A number of<unk>  instruments are in use. The Novak curette is a thin metallic tube with a side opening at the tip; suction with attached syringe can be applied to help to remove tissue. The Pipelle is a more flexible plastic tube with a side opening at the tip. A smaller tube (internal piston) inside the Pipelle is withdrawn to create suction. Meanwhile, the pipelle is rotated and moved outwards from the fundus to the internal os to collect small pieces of<unk>  tissue. Recently, the TruTest has been introduced as an alternative method of<unk> . Rather than using a suction tube, this method uses the Tao Brush to gently brush the lining of the uterus. Generally, this method has been found to be less painful than the traditional suction method.
Endometrial biopsy
Hysterosalpingography
Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy
Frozen section procedure
Gynecologic ultrasonography
Fertility testing
Colposcopy