Abstract: A biopsy needle actuator assembly used with a biopsy needle for excising a tissue specimen from a target tissue in an animal includes a counter assembly for tracking the individual biopsy event associated with the actuator assembly, and tracking the cumulative number of firings of the actuator assembly to ensure the actuator assembly is replaced prior to failure. The counter assembly registers movement of the biopsy needle during use, aids an operator in proper identification of the biopsy specimen during a biopsy event, and aids the user in correlating the location and orientation of pathological findings of the biopsy specimen in the target tissue in vivo to aid in treatment of the target tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy needle assembly for excising a tissue specimen from a target tissue in an animal includes a mandrel with a core bed having an inner surface forming a projection for marking the tissue specimen at excision. The projections can be longitudinal and transverse in the core bed, and can project from an end of the core bed into the core bed. The projections can include a marking agent for marking the tissue specimen.