How to choose between liver biopsy or noninvasive test?

A liver biopsy is the process of removing a small piece of liver tissue so it can be examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. If blood tests or imaging tests indicate you may have liver problems, your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy. Liver biopsies are also used to determine the severity of liver disease. This information can help guide treatment decisions. The most common type of liver biopsy is called a percutaneous liver biopsy. It involves inserting a thin needle through the abdomen into the liver and then removing a small piece of tissue. The other two types of liver biopsies -- one through a vein in the neck and the other through a small incision in the abdomen -- can also remove liver tissue with a needle.