This 3 piece needle set enables a specimen to be taken from the pleura with reduced risk of damage to the lung. It consists of two concentric tubes and a solid stylet used solely for cleaning after securing the biopsy specimen. Behind the trocar point is a deep notch which can be closed with a rotary movement of the inner tube thereby cutting and holding any engaged tissue. A locking clip holds the needle firmly in either the open or closed position to prevent inadvertent movement.