Placement of liver biopsy needle

Placement of liver biopsy needle


Picture of where a liver biopsy needle is placed between two right lower ribs

A liver biopsy is done using a long needle inserted between two of the right lower ribs. The needle removes a small sample of liver tissue. The tissue sample is sent to a lab and looked at under a microscope to see if there are any liver problems.

Last Updated:August 14, 2008

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & C. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS - General Surgery

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