Histopathology: Liver Biopsy

What is Histopathology: Liver Biopsy Test?

The liver has many functions, like the production of bile juice and excretion. When the liver does not perform to its expectations, the body experiences several issues. A histopathology test is performed to check whether the liver is damaged. If a person is suffering from liver-related disease, a liver biopsy test would reveal it. A small piece of liver tissue is extracted and studied under the microscope for the test. Usually, doctors sense a problem in the liver
via blood tests or bodily images. With a liver biopsy test, a doctor can clear their confusion about a liver problem. Liver biopsies can be either targeted or non-targeted, depending on the patient’s condition. Liver biopsies can be percutaneous, laparoscopic, or Transvenous.

A percutaneous liver biopsy is performed when the patient is given a local anaesthetic. After the person is provided with an anaesthetic, the liver tissue sample is extracted with the help of a needle. For the laparoscopic biopsy, the person is given a general anaesthetic. A thin tube known as a laparoscope is inserted into the skin via a tiny insertion. The thin tube has a tiny video camera attached, and lab technicians can see the inside of your skin. Some people suffer from blood clotting issues and require a different type of biopsy. An incision is made in the person’s neck for the transvenous biopsy. A hollow tube is inserted into the neck that goes all the way to the liver. Lab technicians insert a needle via the hollow tube and collect the required liver sample. Read on to understand more about liver biopsy and its uses.

Who Should Get a Histopathology: Liver Biopsy Test?

Anyone who is suffering from a liver-related disease requires a liver biopsy test. Even if there is a hint of a liver-related illness, you might need a liver biopsy test. Some people might suffer from chronic liver diseases. They will have to take the liver biopsy test at frequent intervals. Some people might have a family history of liver-related diseases. They will also require a standard liver biopsy test to check the state of the liver. Several bodily symptoms
might tell that a person requires a liver biopsy test. You might need a liver biopsy test if you have symptoms of the following diseases:

• Fibrosis
• Fatty liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Biliary disease
• Metabolic liver disease
• Vascular liver disorders

Why Get Tested for Histopathology: Liver Biopsy?

As stated above, you need a liver biopsy test to check the state of your liver. Finding a liver problem that cannot be detected by any other means is essential. The liver biopsy test also helps determine the severity of the liver disease. With the staging process, doctors use the liver biopsy test to assess the severity of the liver disease. A liver biopsy test is also required to prepare treatment plans for liver disease. The test is also necessary to monitor the
condition of the liver after treatment. For example, doctors suggest a liver biopsy test after the patient has undergone a liver transplant. If you are experiencing any liver-related issues, you should not delay a liver biopsy test. Don’t wait for the condition to worsen; take a liver biopsy test.

When Get Tested for Histopathology: Liver Biopsy?

People who are health conscious do not wait for liver failure to occur. Instead, they frequently opt for a liver biopsy test and stay updated. However, people with a family history of liver failure need a liver biopsy test at regular intervals. People undergoing treatment for any liver disease might need a liver biopsy test every quarter.

Sample Required

As stated above, a liver tissue sample is collected to perform a liver biopsy test. The tissue sample from your liver can be collected via several means. Usually, the person is given an anaesthetic, and a tissue sample is collected via a needle. Usually, after collecting the tissue, lab technicians fix it on the slide. After a few hours, lab technicians study the tissue sample and determine the desired results.

Is Fasting Required Before a Histopathology: Liver Biopsy Test?

Usually, doctors ask patients not to eat or drink anything a few hours before the liver biopsy test. However, you don’t need to fast as you have to avoid food only for a few hours before a liver biopsy test. Doctors sometimes allow patients to eat light snacks before a liver biopsy test. Some patients might be asked to stop some medications before a liver biopsy test. One can ask their doctor for more precautions before a liver biopsy test.