Liver Biopsy: Results
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Results
A liver biopsy is done using a long needle inserted between two of the right lower ribs to remove a sample of liver tissue. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory and looked at under a microscope to see if there are any liver problems.
- Samples of liver tissue sent to a pathology lab will be looked at under a microscope for liver diseases such as liver cancer or cirrhosis.
- Other samples of liver tissue may be sent to a microbiology lab to see whether an infection, such as tuberculosis of the liver, is present.
Test results are generally ready in 2 to 4 days. If tests are done to find infections, it may take several weeks for the results to be ready.
| Normal: | The liver tissue looks normal under a microscope. No signs of infection, inflammation, cancer, or cirrhosis are present. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: | Abnormal cells or liver tissue are present. This may be caused by an infection, liver disease, or cancer. |
If liver cancer is present, the biopsy can help find the type of cancer. | |
If hepatitis is present, the test can be used to see the chance of developing cirrhosis. Test results may also show the severity of cirrhosis. |
| Last updated: | August 14, 2008 |
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS - General Surgery |
| Editors: | Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer |
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