Liver Biopsy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Liver Biopsy?
A hepatologist, a liver doctor, or a gastroenterologist commonly guides a liver biopsy. Doctors do a liver biopsy at a hospital or outpatient center. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a doctor takes a small piece of tissue from your liver. The tissue is then examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. Doctors take the sample in different ways.
- In a percutaneous biopsy, the doctor puts a needle through your skin into your liver. This is the most common type.
- In a transjugular biopsy, the doctor puts a needle into a vein in your neck. The needle is passed through your veins to your liver.
- A doctor may also take the sample during surgery that you are having for other reasons.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors use a liver biopsy to find liver disease when blood or imaging tests cannot confirm it. They also use it to find out how severe the liver damage or disease is. The biopsy also helps find cancer and infections. Liver biopsies are now done less often because other tests may be enough to check for liver damage.
How to prepare
Common steps are listed here.
- Tell your doctor about your allergies and health conditions. Also list all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- Your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking medicines that affect blood clotting.
- Plan a ride home, because most people cannot drive home after it.
- Follow your doctor's fasting instructions.
What happens during it
In a percutaneous biopsy, you get a local anesthetic to numb the area where the needle goes in.
- You will feel a stinging pain when the anesthetic is injected.
- You lie on your back and rest your right hand above your head.
- The doctor makes a small cut in the right side of your belly and inserts the biopsy needle.
In a transjugular biopsy, the doctor threads a thin, flexible tube called a catheter through your veins to your liver.
Recovery
After a percutaneous biopsy, you will need to remain lying down for a few hours. After a transjugular biopsy, you need to remain lying down for at least 4 hours.
Doctors often suggest no intense activity or heavy lifting for up to 1 week. If you receive sedation, you will need someone to drive you home. For 24 hours after sedation, do not drive, use machinery, or make important or legal decisions.
Risks and side effects
Pain is the most common complication after a liver biopsy. In most cases, the pain is mild and goes away within a few hours after the biopsy. Internal bleeding is a serious problem. Bleeding occurs in about 1 out of every 500 liver biopsies. Pain that lasts longer than a few hours could be a sign of internal bleeding. Talk with your doctor if you have any pain after a liver biopsy.
Uncommon problems are infection and a collapsed lung.
Get medical help right away if you have pain, redness, or swelling at the biopsy site, or a fever. Also get help right away for nausea or vomiting, or a racing or pounding heart. Get help right away for swelling or bloating of your belly, or stool that has blood or is black and tarry.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
Doctors do the biopsy at a hospital or outpatient center.
Common questions
How long do liver biopsy results take?
Biopsy results typically take a few days or longer to come back.
Does a liver biopsy hurt?
It can cause pain, but in most cases the pain is mild and goes away within a few hours after the biopsy.
Do I always need a liver biopsy to check for liver disease?
No, because other tests may be enough to check for liver damage. Some cases still need a liver biopsy for more information.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Before a biopsy, tell your doctor about your allergies and health conditions. Also share all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
