Disposable biopsy forceps have recently been introduced into the field of endoscopy. We have analyzed biopsy size and histologic interpretation of samples obtained with the disposable forceps and compared them to those obtained with reusable forceps. In the 18 patients studied, 49 samples were collected with the reusable forceps and 47 samples with the disposable. Biopsy sites included the colorectum in 50%, esophagus in 22%, small bowel in 17%, and stomach in 11% of the patients. We found that statistically smaller samples were collected by the disposable biopsy forceps than by the reusable (2.48 +/- 1.11 mm versus 1.99 +/- 0.55 mm, p = 0.006). The smaller biopsy size with disposable forceps was not clinically important since all but one of 47 specimens were interpreted as adequate for histologic diagnosis. The convenience, potential cost savings, and prevention of the spread of communicable agents afforded by disposable biopsy forceps make them a possible alternative to conventional forceps in some clinical settings.