Biopsy - liver; Percutaneous liver biopsy; Needle biopsy of liver
A liver biopsy is a test that takes a sample of tissue from the liver for examination.
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:
The procedure can also be done by inserting a needle into your liver by moving it through the jugular vein.
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.
Tell your 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 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.
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.
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.
The biopsy also helps detect:
The liver tissue is normal.
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 may include:
Cratchley 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.
BACK TO TOPReview 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.
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