Pioneering Tissue Research in Childhood Arthritis

TRICIA is a UK-wide collaborative network advancing research into juvenile idiopathic arthritis through minimally invasive tissue sampling and cutting-edge analytics.

Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Online Training

TRICIA is committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) through high-quality, accessible training resources. Synovial biopsy is a key technique for diagnosing and researching JIA, providing vital insights into joint and tissue inflammation. While existing training materials have primarily focused on adult procedures, the consortium is adapting these techniques for paediatric patients and developing resources tailored to their specific needs.

The consortium currently offers training videos demonstrating the procedure in adult patients, developed by Professor Andrew Filer, a member of the TRICIA Consortium Management Group. While these adult-focused resources provide a foundation, TRICIA is actively working to produce age-appropriate materials that address the unique considerations involved in performing synovial biopsies in children and young people.

Available Biopsy Training Videos

As part of its ongoing training efforts, TRICIA is highlighting the following adult-focused training videos for current use.

Developed by Professor Andrew Filer in collaboration with University Hospitals Birmingham, these videos support clinicians and researchers in developing their skills and knowledge in ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy techniques. They serve as foundational resources until paediatric-specific materials are available.

Video 1: Synovial Biopsy Procedure – & Preparation

This video provides an overview of the procedure, covering preparation steps, equipment setup, and the ultrasound-guided approach for precise biopsy collection.

Video 2: Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy Technique

This video demonstrates the ultrasound-guided biopsy technique, focusing on targeting synovial tissue and maintaining precision during the procedure.

Video 3: Post-Procedure Care and Considerations

This video covers post-procedure care, including handling tissue samples, patient recovery, and monitoring for complications.

Resources or JIA

TRICIA is committed to developing specialised training materials for paediatric patients, addressing the unique challenges of performing synovial biopsies in children and young people. These resources ensure that techniques are appropriately adapted to meet their needs.

The consortium continues to update this page with new videos and materials, providing free and open access to clinicians and researchers. By promoting training, sharing, and collaboration, TRICIA supports the advancement of JIA research and the development of best practices in paediatric synovial biopsy.

Resources for Patients and Parents

TRICIA is developing videos and online materials in collaboration with its patient partners, alongside input from CLUSTER patient and parent champions. These resources provide parent-friendly and age-appropriate lay information about the procedures, research, and study aims to support recruitment.

All materials will be accessible on the study website and used by the study team to facilitate recruitment across participating centres.