Last updated: 11/24/2009

Percutaneous liver biopsy is sometimes called aspiration biopsy or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) because it is done with a hollow needle attached to a suction syringe. The special needles used to perform a liver biopsy are called Menghini or Jamshedi...

needles. The amount of specimen collected should be about 0.03–0.7 fl oz (1–2 cc). In many cases, the biopsy is done by a radiologist, doctor who specializes in x rays and imaging studies. The radiologist will use computed tomography (CT) scan or ultrasound to guide the needle to the target site for the biopsy. Some ultrasound-guided biopsies are performed using a biopsy gun that has a spring mechanism that contains a cutting sheath. This type of procedure gives a greater yield of tissue.

An hour or so before the biopsy, the patient will be given a sedative to aid in relaxation. The patient is then asked to lie on the back with the right elbow to the side and the right hand under the head. The patient is instructed to lie as still as possible during the procedure. He or she is warned to expect a sensation resembling a pinch in the right shoulder when the needle passes a certain nerve (the phrenic nerve), but to remain motionless in spite of the momentary pain.

The doctor will then mark a spot on the skin of the abdomen where the needle will be inserted. The right side of the upper abdomen is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution, generally iodine. The patient is then given a local anesthetic at the biopsy site.

The doctor prepares the needle by drawing sterile saline solution into a syringe. The syringe is then attached to the biopsy needle, which is inserted into the patient's chest wall. The doctor then draws the plunger of the syringe back to create a vacuum. At this point, the patient is asked to take a deep breath and hold it. The needle is inserted into the liver and withdrawn quickly, usually within two seconds or less. The negative pressure in the syringe draws or pulls a sample of liver tissue into the biopsy needle. As soon as the needle is withdrawn, the patient can breathe normally. This step takes only a few seconds. Pressure is applied at the biopsy site to stop any bleeding and a bandage is placed over it. The liver tissue sample is placed in a cup with a 10% formalin solution and sent to the laboratory immediately. The entire procedure takes 10–15 minutes. Test results are usually available within a day.

Most patients experience minor discomfort during the procedure (up to 50% of patients), but not severe pain. According to a medical study of adult patients undergoing percutaneous liver biopsy, pain was most often described as mild to moderate (i.e., a rating of three on a scale of one to 10). Mild medications of a non-aspirin type can be given after the biopsy if the pain persists for several hours.