% Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy: Benefits, risks, and what to expect Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe
Everything to know about an ultrasound-guided liver biopsyMedically reviewed by William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS — By Margaret Etudo on August 22, 2022A liver biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that samples a person’s liver tissue to check for any abnormalities. Specialists, such as imaging physicians and diagnostic medical sonographers, may use an ultrasound guide to perform the procedure. A liver biopsy is an outpatient procedure that a doctor may recommend to diagnose any liver abnormalities.
thumb_upLike (2)
commentReply (0)
shareShare
visibility477 views
thumb_up2 likes
I
Isabella Johnson Member
access_time
8 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Most people experience little or no discomfort during a liver biopsy. They are quick procedures that require only local anesthesia. However, it is possible to receive pain relievers during the procedure if necessary.
thumb_upLike (9)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up9 likes
comment
3 replies
Z
Zoe Mueller 2 minutes ago
Some experts may require imaging, such as ultrasound guidance or CT scans, to perform a liver biopsy...
T
Thomas Anderson 5 minutes ago
It also explores the procedure’s risks, benefits, outlook, and preparation requirements and what t...
Some experts may require imaging, such as ultrasound guidance or CT scans, to perform a liver biopsy. This article will explore what an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy is and why a person may need one.
thumb_upLike (4)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up4 likes
comment
3 replies
E
Emma Wilson 8 minutes ago
It also explores the procedure’s risks, benefits, outlook, and preparation requirements and what t...
D
David Cohen 1 minutes ago
During this procedure, a doctor makes a small skin incision below or between the lower ribs. They th...
It also explores the procedure’s risks, benefits, outlook, and preparation requirements and what to expect from one. What is an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy
Share on PinterestBojan Story/Getty ImagesUltrasound-guided liver biopsy is a safe procedure that helps ensure the accurate placing of the biopsy needle tip to sample the appropriate site on the body. A doctor will ask for this test if they suspect liver abnormalities and require confirmation.
thumb_upLike (41)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up41 likes
A
Andrew Wilson Member
access_time
20 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
During this procedure, a doctor makes a small skin incision below or between the lower ribs. They then insert a slender needle through the opening to collect a sample of liver tissue for examination.
thumb_upLike (29)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up29 likes
comment
1 replies
J
Julia Zhang 8 minutes ago
Ultrasound images guide the needle accurately through the liver so that the procedure is safer and c...
N
Noah Davis Member
access_time
18 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Ultrasound images guide the needle accurately through the liver so that the procedure is safer and complications are minimal. Why may someone need a liver biopsy
A person may need a liver biopsy if they have complications that a doctor cannot determine using the individual’s symptoms or a lab test. Someone may need a liver biopsy if they have: an enlarged liverunusual lab results that may indicate liver diseaseliver tumorfatty liver diseaseautoimmune diseaseliver fibrosisjaundicehepatitisalcoholic liver disease
Risks and complications
Generally, an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy is a safe procedure when a specialist performs it.
thumb_upLike (13)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up13 likes
H
Harper Kim Member
access_time
28 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
However, possible risks that may arise include:Bleeding: Even though it is rare to bleed after a liver biopsy, it still happens. Excessive bleeding may require a blood transfusion or surgery.Infection: Although rare, bacteria may enter the abdominal cavity or blood, causing an infection.Injury to a nearby organ: While it is rare to injure organs or vessels during an ultrasound-guided biopsy, injury can affect organs such as the gallbladder or lungs.
thumb_upLike (39)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up39 likes
comment
1 replies
A
Ava White 18 minutes ago
Rare complications that may occur after a liver biopsy include:infections leading to sepsispneumotho...
Z
Zoe Mueller Member
access_time
24 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Rare complications that may occur after a liver biopsy include:infections leading to sepsispneumothorax, partial or total collapse of a lunghemothorax, bleeding inside the lung
A person may also have other risks specific to them. It is beneficial to speak with a doctor about these concerns before the procedure.
thumb_upLike (2)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up2 likes
comment
3 replies
A
Amelia Singh 8 minutes ago
How to prepare
Although liver biopsies do not require much preparation, it is best to ask a doctor f...
M
Madison Singh 24 minutes ago
Afterward, the healthcare professional will use a needle to administer a sedative to help the patien...
How to prepare
Although liver biopsies do not require much preparation, it is best to ask a doctor for the best ways to prepare before the procedure. A doctor may ask someone to:complete a physical examprovide a complete medical historystop taking blood thinners, such as pain relievers, anticoagulants, and certain supplements, if applicablehave a blood testfast at least 8 hours before the procedurebring someone with them to drive them home afterward
What to expect
For an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, a person can expect the following:
When arriving
Just before a liver biopsy, a nurse or doctor will request the patient’s medical history and take a clinical assessment. A nurse will give them a hospital gown to wear for the procedure.
thumb_upLike (18)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up18 likes
S
Sebastian Silva Member
access_time
20 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Afterward, the healthcare professional will use a needle to administer a sedative to help the patient relax. A diagnostic medical sonographer will explain the procedure, while the imaging physician will explain the risks and benefits. After this, the patient will sign a consent form.
thumb_upLike (42)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up42 likes
comment
2 replies
E
Ella Rodriguez 8 minutes ago
During the biopsy
Here is what to expect during an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy.The procedure will...
S
Sophia Chen 12 minutes ago
The doctor will apply a warm gel to the abdomen. This gel allows sound waves from the ultrasound to ...
J
James Smith Moderator
access_time
33 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
During the biopsy
Here is what to expect during an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy.The procedure will take place with the person lying on their back on an examination table, either with their right arm above their head or lying on their left side. Doctors will take ultrasound images of the stomach to enable the precise location of the biopsy area.
thumb_upLike (7)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up7 likes
comment
2 replies
T
Thomas Anderson 21 minutes ago
The doctor will apply a warm gel to the abdomen. This gel allows sound waves from the ultrasound to ...
V
Victoria Lopez 17 minutes ago
They will also place a wand-like handheld device, which people call a transducer, over the area they...
J
Jack Thompson Member
access_time
12 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
The doctor will apply a warm gel to the abdomen. This gel allows sound waves from the ultrasound to travel into the stomach easily.
thumb_upLike (30)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up30 likes
C
Charlotte Lee Member
access_time
52 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
They will also place a wand-like handheld device, which people call a transducer, over the area they are examining. Although this part is painless, a person may feel slight discomfort from the device.When the imaging physician finds the biopsy area, they will clean the abdomen and place sterile drapes over the surgical area.
thumb_upLike (19)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up19 likes
comment
2 replies
M
Mason Rodriguez 30 minutes ago
The imaging physician will then apply anesthesia to numb the biopsy site. Medical professionals will...
D
Daniel Kumar 26 minutes ago
After a liver biopsy
After the procedure, a healthcare professional will monitor the patient for a w...
M
Madison Singh Member
access_time
56 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
The imaging physician will then apply anesthesia to numb the biopsy site. Medical professionals will precisely insert a biopsy needle into the area to collect a tissue sample from the liver.
thumb_upLike (46)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up46 likes
comment
2 replies
H
Harper Kim 21 minutes ago
After a liver biopsy
After the procedure, a healthcare professional will monitor the patient for a w...
E
Ella Rodriguez 14 minutes ago
A pathologist will examine the collected tissue through a microscope to look for signs of any underl...
K
Kevin Wang Member
access_time
45 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
After a liver biopsy
After the procedure, a healthcare professional will monitor the patient for a while. The operated area may be sore for a few days. A person should only take pain medications that the doctor has prescribed, as aspirin or other painkillers may increase the risk of bleeding.
thumb_upLike (6)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up6 likes
comment
3 replies
S
Sophia Chen 44 minutes ago
A pathologist will examine the collected tissue through a microscope to look for signs of any underl...
H
Harper Kim 20 minutes ago
Doctors often recommend avoiding strenuous activities for at least a week. A person should talk with...
A pathologist will examine the collected tissue through a microscope to look for signs of any underlying conditions. These results are usually ready within a couple of days.
thumb_upLike (11)
commentReply (3)
thumb_up11 likes
comment
3 replies
C
Charlotte Lee 13 minutes ago
Doctors often recommend avoiding strenuous activities for at least a week. A person should talk with...
H
Hannah Kim 8 minutes ago
Does a liver biopsy hurt
The amount of pain a person will experience depends on the method the doct...
Doctors often recommend avoiding strenuous activities for at least a week. A person should talk with their doctor to know when they can resume their usual activities.
thumb_upLike (34)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up34 likes
comment
1 replies
L
Lucas Martinez 12 minutes ago
Does a liver biopsy hurt
The amount of pain a person will experience depends on the method the doct...
H
Henry Schmidt Member
access_time
36 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Does a liver biopsy hurt
The amount of pain a person will experience depends on the method the doctor uses to carry out the biopsy. The two types of ultrasound-guided liver biopsy include the subcostal procedure, which is below the rib, and the intercostal procedure, which is between the ribs. Research has found that although both procedures amounted to the same pain during the procedure, the subcostal route caused less pain 2 and 4 hours after the procedure.
thumb_upLike (36)
commentReply (0)
thumb_up36 likes
D
Dylan Patel Member
access_time
95 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Pain after a liver biopsy usually involves mild discomfort. A doctor may recommend a narcotic pain medication such as acetaminophen with codeine. Outlook
An ultrasound-guided liver biopsy helps ensure there is no damage to major blood vessels or organs during the procedure.
thumb_upLike (2)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up2 likes
comment
1 replies
S
Sebastian Silva 44 minutes ago
Some people experience discomfort following a liver biopsy. While doctors typically recommend over-t...
L
Lily Watson Moderator
access_time
20 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Some people experience discomfort following a liver biopsy. While doctors typically recommend over-the-counter pain relief, any discomfort should stop after a few days.
thumb_upLike (46)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up46 likes
comment
2 replies
E
Emma Wilson 3 minutes ago
Though complications are rare, they are possible. If a person experiences complications after a biop...
I
Isabella Johnson 9 minutes ago
A doctor will typically carry use this procedure to rule out any diseases of the liver. During an ul...
B
Brandon Kumar Member
access_time
21 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Though complications are rare, they are possible. If a person experiences complications after a biopsy, they should seek immediate medical attention. Summary
An ultrasound-guided liver biopsy is a generally safe and easy way to discover any liver abnormalities.
thumb_upLike (31)
commentReply (1)
thumb_up31 likes
comment
1 replies
Z
Zoe Mueller 20 minutes ago
A doctor will typically carry use this procedure to rule out any diseases of the liver. During an ul...
H
Hannah Kim Member
access_time
66 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
A doctor will typically carry use this procedure to rule out any diseases of the liver. During an ultrasound biopsy, healthcare professionals will use a slender needle to collect a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. After a few days, a pathologist will generate a report, and the doctor will discuss the diagnosis and next steps with the person.
thumb_upLike (0)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up0 likes
comment
2 replies
N
Nathan Chen 7 minutes ago
Liver biopsies may cause discomfort, but a doctor can recommend pain medications to help. People sho...
S
Sebastian Silva 59 minutes ago
Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affecti...
M
Madison Singh Member
access_time
46 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Liver biopsies may cause discomfort, but a doctor can recommend pain medications to help. People should contact a healthcare professional if they experience any complications from the procedure. Last medically reviewed on August 22, 2022SurgeryLiver Disease / HepatitisDrugsMedically reviewed by William C Lloyd III, MD, FACS — By Margaret Etudo on August 22, 2022
Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart?
thumb_upLike (42)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up42 likes
comment
2 replies
R
Ryan Garcia 38 minutes ago
Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affecti...
L
Lily Watson 32 minutes ago
Learn more about the stages, signs, treatments and more here.READ MOREWhat to know about fatty liver...
E
Elijah Patel Member
access_time
24 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise
Related CoverageHow do ultrasound scans work?Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the inside of the body. It is safe to use during pregnancy and is also a…READ MOREWhat to know about alcoholic liver disease?Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP
Alcoholic liver disease occurs as a result of chronic excessive consumption of alcohol.
thumb_upLike (48)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up48 likes
comment
2 replies
J
James Smith 11 minutes ago
Learn more about the stages, signs, treatments and more here.READ MOREWhat to know about fatty liver...
R
Ryan Garcia 13 minutes ago
Learn more.READ MORE...
A
Ava White Moderator
access_time
100 minutes ago
Friday, 02 May 2025
Learn more about the stages, signs, treatments and more here.READ MOREWhat to know about fatty liver diseaseMedically reviewed by Saurabh Sethi, M.D., MPH
People may not realize they have fatty liver disease because it is a 'silent disease.' Learn about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and diagnosis here.READ MOREWhat to know about liver donation
People may donate part of their working liver while alive or donate after dying. We examine the process, recovery, and long-term complications for…READ MOREWhat to know about toxic liver shockMedically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
Toxic liver shock or toxic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by medications, drugs, chemicals, and other substances.
thumb_upLike (16)
commentReply (2)
thumb_up16 likes
comment
2 replies
A
Aria Nguyen 12 minutes ago
Learn more.READ MORE...
H
Harper Kim 93 minutes ago
Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy: Benefits, risks, and what to expect Health ConditionsHealth Conditio...