Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining samples of suspicious breast tissue is disclosed. The breast is placed between two plates, which compress, and therefore stabilize the tissue. The upper compression plate has an aperture therein that allows for the placement of a guide spool having a flesh adhering surface thereon onto the compressed breast itself. Markings on the spool allow for accurate placement using the cross hairs, or laser light pointer, of the mammographic unit. For additional placement verification, the guide spool is radiopaque and, thus, an X-ray taken directly down through the aperture will aid in ascertaining if the spool is properly placed. A tubular punch is advanced and rotated, cutting through the tissue, which is recovered in the tube.