Mycobacterial culture of liver biopsy is a test for the presence of tuberculosis or similar infection in the liver.

Culture - mycobacterial of liver biopsy

A sample of tissue for culture is obtained by liver biopsy. The sample is placed in appropriate media in the laboratory and observed for growth of mycobacteria. Sometimes special stains, such as AFB (acid fast bacilli), are applied to the culture to help with the diagnosis.

You will not be able to eat or drink anything for 4-8 hours before the test. You must sign an informed consent form giving permission for the liver biopsy. Blood tests for prothrombin time (PT) and platelet count are usually obtained before the procedure.

Local anesthetic is injected into the skin over the area to be biopsied. A needle is inserted through the skin between the lower ribs into the liver and tissue is withdrawn. After the biopsy, a small pillow or sand bag is placed over the biopsy site for several hours to prevent bleeding.

The test is performed when an infection of the liver is suspected.

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Liver culture

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Mycobacterial culture of liver biopsy Results

Review Date: 02/10/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)