The tissue is examined under a microscope to look for the presence of inflammation or liver damage and hence to determine the cause of the liver disease.
A liver biopsy is normally carried out to:
1) evaluate the cause of jaundice and to help diagnose certain liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver tumors.
2) evaluate the cause of abnormal liver function blood test results, especially AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (Alanine aminotransferase). Both ALT and AST levels are indicators of possible liver damage.
3) determine the degree of scarring and inflammation as a result of hepatitis or other liver diseases.
4) monitor the effectiveness of a selected treatment for liver disease.
5) measure whether a certain medication, such as cholesterol reducing medication, is producing a negative toxic effect on the liver.
6) monitor the function of a transplanted or donor liver.
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