Diagnosis and Biopsy:

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of liver function is made by blood tests. Liver function tests can readily pinpoint the extent of liver damage. If infection is suspected, then other serological tests are done. Sometimes one may require an ultrasound or a CT scan to image the liver.

Physical exam of the liver is not accurate in determining the extent of liver damage. Physical exam can only reveal presence of tenderness or size of liver but in all cases some type of radiological study is required to look at the liver.

Biopsy:

The ideal way to look at damage to the liver is with a biopsy. A biopsy is not required in all cases but may be necessary when the cause is unknown. The procedure is done at the bedside and only requires local anesthetic. A small thin needle is inserted into the skin just below the rib cage and a biopsy is obtained. The tissue is sent to the laboratory where it is analyzed under a microscope. Sometimes the radiologist may perform a liver biopsy under ultrasound guidance if only a small area is involved.