Your doctor has requested biopsy of your liver. The biopsy can help diagnose liver abnormalities including hepatitis, inflammation, or malignancy. The procedure is performed with ultrasound guidance by a team of experts including an imaging physician, a diagnostic medical sonographer and a registered nurse. At the Cedars-Sinai S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center we have an expert team of physicians, nurses and technologists who are highly trained in ultrasound imaging.
Do not take aspirin or aspirin-related medications for seven days prior to your procedure.
You must not eat or drink for eight hours prior to your procedure.
Some blood tests are required prior to the biopsy. If these have not been done prior to the day of the biopsy, you will be instructed to arrive for your appointment at Cedars-Sinai two hours early, so the blood tests can be completed and reviewed.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
You will not be allowed to drive home by yourself. Please arrange to have a family member or friend drive you home.
A radiology nurse will:
- Ask you a few questions regarding your medical history
- Do a brief clinical assessment (pulse, blood pressure, etc.)
- Place a special plastic needle in your vein (intravenous line) before your exam
The diagnostic medical sonographer and imaging physician will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.
The imaging physician will explain the risks and benefits of the exam prior to having you sign a consent form.
You will be requested to lie on the examination table on your back.
Ultrasound images of your abdomen will be obtained to locate the precise area of biopsy.
A warm gel will be applied to your abdomen, this gel is very similar to hair styling gel. The gel allows the sound waves to travel from the machine into your abdomen more easily.
A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, will be placed over the area being examined. There is no pain; however, you may feel mild pressure from the transducer.
Once the location is identified, the imaging physician will clean your abdomen and place sterile drapes over the work area.
The imaging physician will numb the biopsy site; however, you may experience a slight stinging sensation as the medication is injected.
As the medication takes affect, the imaging physician will explain how you should breathe during the actual biopsy and will ask you to practice that technique until you are comfortable with the instructions.
During the biopsy, a special needle device is used to remove the sample of your liver. You will hear a "staple gun-like" noise as the sample is taken.
After your procedure you will be observed and monitored by a registered nurse for four hours.
You will be allowed to go to the restroom.
You may feel some discomfort at the site of the puncture, including some radiating pain to your shoulder.
Your ultrasound liver biopsy will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, and a final report will be sent to your physician, usually within 72 hours.
Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
If you have problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center parking is located at the corner of San Vicente Boulevard and Gracie Allen Drive. Enter off Sherbourne Drive.
You can also park in the Medical Center North Tower off George Burns Road.
Parking is partially validated and validation is available in the lobby of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center. There is a large metal sculpture in the shape of the number "8" in front of the center.
There is a curbside patient drop-off zone on Gracie Allen Drive.
