A liver biopsy needle is a medical procedure that is carried out for the same reasons that any other biopsy is carried out; mainly to have a closer look at the cells of an infected organ in order to more accurately diagnose the condition affecting it. The liver biopsy needle procedure is carried out by a needle being inserted into the liver in order to collect a sample tissue of the organ. This tissue is then analyzed in the laboratory with the help of a microscope and the medical report is then drawn up for the doctor to review. Some of the conditions that might require a liver biopsy to be performed include identifying the cause of jaundice, identifying the cause of an ongoing fever, check a liver mass that may have been identified on an x-ray, CT scan or ultrasound as well as looking for progress of treatment of liver disease.
A liver biopsy needle size will vary from 15 to 20 G, with almost 72% of all biopsies using the help of ultrasound to locate the site for the biopsy to be performed. Liver biopsy needle costs will vary from one state to another as well as from one practitioner to another. However, an estimate will put the overall cost in the region of about USD $1032 without any complications. In the event the individual encounters complications as the result of the procedure, the overall cost incurred could go up to USD $2745.
Preparation for the liver biopsy needle procedure is essential because of the fact that there are a number of factors that could cause complications. For instance, in the event that you are pregnant, or suffering from a lung condition or are allergic to any kind of medication, it is important to inform your doctor of the same. Besides this you should also inform as well as tell him or her if you are on any medication that could cause problems with blood clotting. During the procedure, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown and lie on your back with the right elbow at your side and the right hand under your head. The targeted area will then be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic and a small incision will be made in the upper abdomen before a needle is inserted through the incision in order to extract a small piece of liver tissue. The whole procedure should not take more than five minutes after which you will be kept in the clinic or hospital for observation of about 4 hours. A little discomfort may be felt with some pain in the shoulder or the back, but this will subside as time passes on.