A dual action biopsy needle scrapes tissue of cellular thickness from a lesion
during forward and rearward reciprocations of the needle along its longitudinal
axis of symmetry. A first sharp edge, formed by a beveled distal end of the needle,
scrapes tissue during proximal-to-distal travel of the needle. A second sharp edge
is provided by a transversely disposed slot formed in the needle near the first
sharp edge. The second sharp edge scrapes tissue during distal-to-proximal travel
of the needle. In a first embodiment, the second sharp edge is coincident with
an exterior surface of the needle. In a second embodiment, the second sharp edge
is elevated with respect to the exterior surface and in a third embodiment the
second sharp edge is recessed. Additional embodiments include a second slot, a
channel, and a hinge for enabling pivotal movement of the second and third sharp edges.
