Liver Biopsy

During a liver biopsy, your doctor inserts a needle through your skin (percutaneous) and into your liver. He or she removes a small sample of liver tissue and sends it to a lab to be examined.

Your health care provider will give you an ultrasound of your lower chest and upper abdominal area to help find the best site for your biopsy.

Getting Ready

• Be sure to have any blood tests that your doctor orders.

• Stop taking aspirin and other medications as directed.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before your biopsy.

• Arrange for someone to drive you home after your biopsy.

During the Procedure

• After changing into a hospital gown, you lie on your back or your left side. Part of your body is draped.

• Your health care provider checks your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and temperature. 

• Your health care provider may give you a sedative through an IV (intravenous) line, but usually he or she will give you a local anesthetic in the skin around the biopsy site.

• He or she inserts a small syringe through a tiny incision in your abdominal wall.

• A small sample of liver tissue is taken out. While this is done, you will be told to hold your breath. The needle is removed.

• A health care provider places a bandage over the incision site. He or she may ask you to lie for a while on your right side. A pillow or special sandbag may be used to apply pressure to the incision site.

• You will be monitored for a few hours after your biopsy.

After the Procedure

Have someone drive you home after your liver biopsy. You may feel some pain near the biopsy site or in your right shoulder (as a result of referral pain). Get plenty of rest. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, heavy lifting, and exercise for a few days. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Getting Your Results

Getting your biopsy results may take a few days. When the results are ready, your doctor will discuss them with you.