BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuLiver biopsyBiopsy - liver; Percutaneous liver biopsy; Needle biopsy of liverA liver biopsy is a test that takes a sample of tissue from the liver for examination.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test is Performed Most of the time, the test is done in the hospital or specialized procedure unit. Before the test is done, you may be given a medicine to prevent pain or to calm you (sedative).The biopsy may be done through the abdominal wall:You will lie on your back with your right hand under your head. You need to stay as still as you can. The health care provider will find the correct spot for the biopsy needle to be inserted into the liver. This is often done by using ultrasound. The skin is cleaned, and numbing medicine is injected into the area using a small needle. A small cut is made, and the biopsy needle is inserted. You will be told to hold your breath while the biopsy is taken. This is to reduce the chance of damage to the lung or liver. The needle is removed quickly. Pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding. A bandage is placed over the insertion site.The procedure can also be done by inserting a needle into your liver by moving it through the jugular vein.If the procedure is performed this way, you will lie on your back. X-rays will be used to guide the provider to the vein. X-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A special needle and catheter (thin tube) is used to take the biopsy sample.A liver biopsy can also be done during certain surgeries or during an internal ultrasound called an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).If you receive sedation for this test, you will need someone to drive you home. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important or legal decisions for 24 hours after sedation. How to Prepare for the Test Tell your provider about:Bleeding problems Medicine allergies Medicines you are taking including herbs, supplements, medicines, or drugs you bought without a prescription Whether you are pregnant You must sign a consent form. Blood tests are sometimes done to test your blood's ability to clot. You will be told not to eat or drink anything for the 8 hours before the test.For infants and children:The preparation needed for a child depends on the child's age and maturity. Your child's provider will tell you what you can do to prepare your child for this test. How the Test will Feel You will feel a stinging pain 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 The biopsy helps diagnose many liver diseases. The procedure also helps assess the stage (early, advanced) of liver disease. Liver biopsies are now done less often because noninvasive tests may be enough to assess for liver damage. However, some situations and diseases still require a liver biopsy for more information.Liver diseasesThe term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The biopsy also helps detect:Cancer CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections The cause of abnormal levels of liver enzymes that have been found in blood tests The cause of an unexplained liver enlargement Normal Results The liver tissue is normal. What Abnormal Results Mean The biopsy may reveal a number of liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, or infections such as tuberculosis. It may also indicate cancer.CirrhosisCirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This test also may be performed for:Alcoholic liver disease (fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis) Alcoholic liver disease Alcoholic liver disease is damage to the liver and its function due to alcohol abuse.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Amebic liver abscess Amebic liver abscessAmebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver in response to an intestinal parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autoimmune hepatitis Autoimmune hepatitisAutoimmune hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver. It occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Biliary atresia Biliary atresiaBiliary atresia is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry a liquid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic active hepatitis Chronic persistent hepatitis Disseminated coccidioidomycosis Disseminated coccidioidomycosisValley fever is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii enter your body through the lun...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemochromatosis HemochromatosisHemochromatosis is a condition in which there is too much iron in the body. It is also called iron overload.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B Hepatitis BHepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis C Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis D Hepatitis DHepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also hav...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatocellular carcinoma Hepatocellular carcinomaHepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hodgkin lymphoma Hodgkin lymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphomaNon-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system. W...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pyogenic liver abscess Pyogenic liver abscessPyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled pocket of fluid within the liver. Pyogenic means with pus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Reye syndrome Reye syndromeReye syndrome is characterized by sudden (acute) brain damage and liver function problems. This condition does not have a known cause. This syndrome...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sclerosing cholangitis Sclerosing cholangitisSclerosing cholangitis refers to swelling (inflammation), scarring, and destruction of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Primary biliary cholangitis Primary biliary cholangitisThe bile ducts are tubes that move bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a substance that helps with digestion. All of the bile ducts...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson diseaseWilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks Risks may include:Collapsed lung Collapsed lungA collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then can fill the space outside of the lung between the lung and chest wall. This b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complications from the sedation Injury to the gallbladder or kidney or bowel Internal bleeding Open ReferencesReferencesCratchley AL, Rotimi O, Haughk B. Liver, biliary system and pancreas. In: Cross SS, ed. Underwood's Pathology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 16.Martin P. Approach to the patient with liver disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 132.AllVideoImagesTogLiver biopsy - illustration A liver biopsy is not a routine procedure, but is performed when it is necessary to determine the presence of liver disease and to look for malignancy, cysts, parasites, or other pathology. The actual procedure is only slightly uncomfortable. Most of the discomfort arises from being required to lie still for several hours afterwards to prevent bleeding from the biopsy site.Liver biopsyillustrationLiver biopsy - illustration A liver biopsy is not a routine procedure, but is performed when it is necessary to determine the presence of liver disease and to look for malignancy, cysts, parasites, or other pathology. The actual procedure is only slightly uncomfortable. Most of the discomfort arises from being required to lie still for several hours afterwards to prevent bleeding from the biopsy site.Liver biopsyillustration Tests for Liver biopsy Liver biopsyBiopsy - biliary tractRectal biopsyLiver scanRelated Information Liver disease(Condition)Cirrhosis(Condition)Hepatitis(Condition)Pulmonary tuberculosis(Condition)Alcoholic liver disease(Condition)Amebic liver abscess(Condition)Autoimmune hepatitis(Condition)Biliary atresia(Condition)Hepatitis D (Delta agent)(Condition)Hemochromatosis(Condition)Cirrhosis - InDepth(In-Depth)Hepatitis - InDepth(In-Depth)Hodgkin disease - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 2/3/2025 Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Liver biopsyBiopsy - liver; Percutaneous liver biopsy; Needle biopsy of liverA liver biopsy is a test that takes a sample of tissue from the liver for examination.BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for lab examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article How the Test is Performed Most of the time, the test is done in the hospital or specialized procedure unit. Before the test is done, you may be given a medicine to prevent pain or to calm you (sedative).The biopsy may be done through the abdominal wall:You will lie on your back with your right hand under your head. You need to stay as still as you can. The health care provider will find the correct spot for the biopsy needle to be inserted into the liver. This is often done by using ultrasound. The skin is cleaned, and numbing medicine is injected into the area using a small needle. A small cut is made, and the biopsy needle is inserted. You will be told to hold your breath while the biopsy is taken. This is to reduce the chance of damage to the lung or liver. The needle is removed quickly. Pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding. A bandage is placed over the insertion site.The procedure can also be done by inserting a needle into your liver by moving it through the jugular vein.If the procedure is performed this way, you will lie on your back. X-rays will be used to guide the provider to the vein. X-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article A special needle and catheter (thin tube) is used to take the biopsy sample.A liver biopsy can also be done during certain surgeries or during an internal ultrasound called an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).If you receive sedation for this test, you will need someone to drive you home. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important or legal decisions for 24 hours after sedation. How to Prepare for the Test Tell your provider about:Bleeding problems Medicine allergies Medicines you are taking including herbs, supplements, medicines, or drugs you bought without a prescription Whether you are pregnant You must sign a consent form. Blood tests are sometimes done to test your blood's ability to clot. You will be told not to eat or drink anything for the 8 hours before the test.For infants and children:The preparation needed for a child depends on the child's age and maturity. Your child's provider will tell you what you can do to prepare your child for this test. How the Test will Feel You will feel a stinging pain 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 The biopsy helps diagnose many liver diseases. The procedure also helps assess the stage (early, advanced) of liver disease. Liver biopsies are now done less often because noninvasive tests may be enough to assess for liver damage. However, some situations and diseases still require a liver biopsy for more information.Liver diseasesThe term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article The biopsy also helps detect:Cancer CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections The cause of abnormal levels of liver enzymes that have been found in blood tests The cause of an unexplained liver enlargement Normal Results The liver tissue is normal. What Abnormal Results Mean The biopsy may reveal a number of liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, or infections such as tuberculosis. It may also indicate cancer.CirrhosisCirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This test also may be performed for:Alcoholic liver disease (fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis) Alcoholic liver disease Alcoholic liver disease is damage to the liver and its function due to alcohol abuse.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Amebic liver abscess Amebic liver abscessAmebic liver abscess is a collection of pus in the liver in response to an intestinal parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autoimmune hepatitis Autoimmune hepatitisAutoimmune hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver. It occurs when immune cells mistake the liver's normal cells for harmful invaders and attack ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Biliary atresia Biliary atresiaBiliary atresia is a blockage in the tubes (ducts) that carry a liquid called bile from the liver to the gallbladder.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic active hepatitis Chronic persistent hepatitis Disseminated coccidioidomycosis Disseminated coccidioidomycosisValley fever is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii enter your body through the lun...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hemochromatosis HemochromatosisHemochromatosis is a condition in which there is too much iron in the body. It is also called iron overload.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B Hepatitis BHepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis C Hepatitis CHepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver. Other types of viral hepatitis include:Hepatitis AHepatitis BHepat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis D Hepatitis DHepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also hav...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatocellular carcinoma Hepatocellular carcinomaHepatocellular carcinoma is cancer that starts in the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hodgkin lymphoma Hodgkin lymphomaHodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other sites.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphomaNon-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is cancer of the lymph tissue. Lymph tissue is found in the lymph nodes, spleen, and other organs of the immune system. W...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pyogenic liver abscess Pyogenic liver abscessPyogenic liver abscess is a pus-filled pocket of fluid within the liver. Pyogenic means with pus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Reye syndrome Reye syndromeReye syndrome is characterized by sudden (acute) brain damage and liver function problems. This condition does not have a known cause. This syndrome...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sclerosing cholangitis Sclerosing cholangitisSclerosing cholangitis refers to swelling (inflammation), scarring, and destruction of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Primary biliary cholangitis Primary biliary cholangitisThe bile ducts are tubes that move bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile is a substance that helps with digestion. All of the bile ducts...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Wilson diseaseWilson diseaseWilson disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and nervous sys...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Risks Risks may include:Collapsed lung Collapsed lungA collapsed lung occurs when air escapes from the lung. The air then can fill the space outside of the lung between the lung and chest wall. This b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complications from the sedation Injury to the gallbladder or kidney or bowel Internal bleeding Open ReferencesReferencesCratchley AL, Rotimi O, Haughk B. Liver, biliary system and pancreas. In: Cross SS, ed. Underwood's Pathology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 16.Martin P. Approach to the patient with liver disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 132.
