A liver biopsy involves inserting a long needle betweenthe ribs to collect a small sample of liver tissue. Samples of liver tissuecan then be examined under a microscope to further evaluate a suspected orknown liver disease.

A liver biopsy may be done after other tests have failedto provide a clear diagnosis or determine the severity of a liver problem.It can also be used to monitor certain forms of liver disease, suchas hepatitis C. A liver biopsy can reveal long-term inflammation (chronichepatitis), scar tissue formation (cirrhosis), or cancer.