On the Day of Procedure
Laboratory tests will be performed on the day of a liver biopsy or 2-3 days before the procedure, as directed by your doctor. These tests may include a blood count, a platelet count, and a measurement of your blood's ability to clot.
During the procedure, which takes about 5 minutes:
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You will be asked to wear a hospital gown.
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You will lie on your back, with your right elbow out to the side and your right hand under your head. It is important that you remain as still as possible during the procedure.
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An ultrasound may be used to mark the location of your liver.
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You may receive a small dose of a sedative just prior to the procedure.
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The doctor will clean and numb an area on your upper abdomen with a local anaesthesia. The doctor will then make a small incision on your upper abdomen and insert a needle into this incision to take a small sample of liver tissue for analysis.
After the procedure:
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You will stay in a recovery room for up to 4 hours for observation.
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You may feel minor pain or soreness at the biopsy site and discomfort or a dull pain in your shoulders or back. If necessary, a pain medication will be prescribed for you.
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Do not drive or operate machinery for at least eight hours after the procedure.
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Avoid taking aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Naprosyn, Indocin, or Motrin) for one week after the procedure. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.