Liver biopsy techniques.

A liver biopsy is required to make the diagnosis of most non-vascular liver diseases. Liver biopsy samples can be obtained with several techniques. With proper training and adequate operator experience, the liver biopsy is a safe technique. It is important to evaluate blood coagulation and to use the biopsy in the context of evaluation of the liver and associated structures with ultrasonography, laparoscopy, or other imaging methods. The histological evaluation should be done using international standards as summarized by John Cullen elsewhere in this issue.