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Liver biopsy

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Liver biopsy
Liver biopsy

Alternative Names    Return to top

Biopsy - liver; Percutaneous biopsy

Definition    Return to top

A liver biopsy is a test that takes a sample of tissue from the liver for examination.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

The test is usually done in the hospital. You may be given a medication to calm you (sedative) or pain medication by injection before the test. If the biopsy is done through the abdominal wall, you will be lying on your back with your right hand under your head. It is important to be as still as possible.

The health care provider will examine the liver and determine the correct spot for the biopsy needle to be inserted. The skin will be cleansed, and a small needle will be used to inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. A small cut is made, and the biopsy needle is inserted. You will be instructed to hold your breath while the biopsy is taken. This is to reduce the chance of puncturing the lung or tearing the liver.

The needle is inserted and removed quickly. Pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding. A bandage is placed over the insertion site. Ultrasound is usually used to guide the needle.

The procedure can also be performed by inserting a needle into the jugular vein. If the procedure is performed through the jugular vein, you will lie on your back on a table.

The internal jugular vein in the neck will be located. The skin will be cleansed, and a small needle will be used to inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. A needle is then inserted to pass a catheter through the veins to the liver. X-ray equipment will be used to check the location of the catheter. A specialized needle is then used through the catheter to take the biopsy sample.

If you receive sedation for this test, you will need someone to drive you home.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Tell your health care provider about:

You must sign a consent form. Blood tests are sometimes done to test your blood's ability to clot. You will be told not eat or drink anything for the 8 hours before the test.

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

You will feel a stinging pain from the anesthetic needle and when the anesthetic is injected. The biopsy needle may feel like deep pressure and dull pain. Some people feel this pain in the shoulder.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

The biopsy helps diagnose many liver diseases. The procedure also helps assess the stage (early, advanced) of liver disease. This is especially important in hepatitis C infection.

The biopsy also helps detect:

Normal Results    Return to top

The liver tissue is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

The biopsy may reveal a number of liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, or infections such as tuberculosis. It may also indicate cancer.

This test also may be performed for:

Risks    Return to top

References    Return to top

Bergasa NV. Approach to the patient with liver disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 149.

Update Date: 3/5/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Francisco, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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