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UW Health SMPH

Pediatric Gastroenterology


Ranked a Best Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Gastroenterology, 2011-2012

Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is a procedure which is performed to obtain a small sample of the liver. It is performed in special circumstances to evaluate jaundice (yellow skin), liver inflammation (hepatitis), abnormal liver function tests or an enlarged liver.
 
What to Expect
  • Your child will not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before the procedure.
  • Blood work will be obtained before the procedure.
  • Your child will receive IV sedation or anesthesia during the procedure.
  • After your child is sleeping, a needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver and then quickly removed. This removes a core of liver tissue.
  • An ultrasound is used to guide the path of the needle.
  • After the procedure, your child will be required to lie quietly for four hours.
  • Additional blood work will be obtained before your child can go home. You will return home the same day.
  • We will call you when we receive the biopsy results.