When is a liver biopsy contraindicated?

A liver biopsy is contraindicated when a patient has a bleeding disorder because the procedure involves puncturing the liver, which carries a risk of bleeding. Patients who have bleeding disorders may not have adequate blood clotting ability, making them susceptible to excessive bleeding during and after the biopsy. This risk of significant hemorrhage is a critical consideration for the safety of the patient.

In contrast, low metabolism, age 60 or older, and pregnancy do not inherently make a liver biopsy contraindicated. While certain considerations may be necessary when performing a liver biopsy on elderly patients or pregnant women, the existence of a bleeding disorder poses a far more immediate and serious risk that would lead to the decision to avoid the procedure altogether.