title: Liver biopsy techniques.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, University Utrecht, Yalelaan 108, P.O. Box 80.154, Utrecht 3508 TD, The Netherlands. j.rothuizen@uu.nl
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rothuizen
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Twedt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000662:veterinary; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000662:veterinary