After having a liver biopsy
Liver biopsy in the interventional radiology department
A liver biopsy is a medical test, where we remove a small sample of tissue from your liver with a thin needle. We use X-ray, ultrasound or CT guidance to put this needle accurately into the liver. The sample is then examined in detail under a microscope.
What happens after the procedure
After the liver biopsy, you stay in the recovery unit. You need to stay in bed for 4 to 5 hours or for the time that your nurse recommends.
We ask you to lie on your side or on your back for 2 to 3 hours. This helps the healing process. The nurse checks your blood pressure, pulse and temperature regularly.
We give you light refreshments, such as:
- tea or coffee
- a sandwich
- some fruit
If you have any special dietary requirements, you might want to bring some food and drink with you. The nurse explains when you can get out of bed and move around.
If you had the liver biopsy as a day case procedure, you can go home. You need a responsible adult to take you home by car or taxi. We do not recommend using public transport as this may not be safe if you feel unwell.
If you are staying in hospital and there are no problems, we will take you back to your ward after about 30 minutes.
What to do after you go home
Here is some guidance about what you need to do after you go home.
Do
- follow the advice and instructions from your doctors and nurses
- rest at home for the remainder of the day and possibly for the next day, depending on how you recover
- arrange for someone to stay with you overnight while you recover
- eat and drink as usual
- take your usual painkillers, as prescribed, if you have any pain
- continue taking any usual medicines, as prescribed
- check the area where we put in the needle (the biopsy site) regularly
Don't
- do not go to work or school on the day after the procedure
- do not have a shower until 24 hours after the procedure
- do not have a bath until 48 hours after the procedure
If you have any concerning symptoms
After a liver biopsy, you might notice some bruising at the area where we put in the needle (the biopsy site).
Bleeding or swelling is rare, but if it does happen:
- lie down
- put pressure directly on the biopsy site for 10 minutes
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
the bleeding or swelling at the biopsy site continues after 10 minutes
Getting your results
It takes 7 to 10 working days to get the results of your liver biopsy from the laboratory.
You need to make an appointment with the doctor who referred you for the test to get your results. If your referring doctor is based at Guy's and St Thomas', you can make an appointment before you leave the hospital.
Resource number: 0033/VER6
Last reviewed: February 2024
Next review due: February 2027
A list of sources is available on request.
