wondering

[tim64]

i was wondering how long a liver biopsy results take and does a doctor call me if something is wrong.or does he wait for my follow up appointment?

[FlGuy]

Situations vary somewhat. Mine was done by a radiologist too, using ultrasound as an aiming device, but it was done in a outpatient surgery suite.  I guess the analysis timing depends on the volume of work the pathologist(s) deal with. My thought was that if I had hcv all those years, what's the rush for another week or two.  Over the years, I've read here, that some hepatologists like to re-review the slides prepared by the pathologist - just to give the specimens a second look.  So, it might be good to know where the slides will be filed - for possible future reference.  In my case, the same-day surgey place has them in storage somewhere.

[meNtoby]

Thanks for waking me back up, mine is done in radiology. Pathology studies and sends.  Wonder now why they keep telling me 2 days, 2 days...these small town hospitals are speedier though, --just hope they are accurate as well. :-o

[FlGuy]

The biopsy itself is pretty quick.  It's usually done like an out-patient or same day surgery process.  Although the procedue takes only a few minutes, there is some preparation.  After the procedure they usually have you laying around the place for a few hours.  They want to observe you and make sure there are no complications.  After all, they are piercing and important organ and they need to navigate around some other important parts too.

As mentioned, the results can take up to a couple of weeks.  A pathologist needs to prepare the specimen and analyze it.  The path will prepare a report and deliver it your doc.  That's the point that the doc will sit with you and explain the results.

When that happens, ask the doc for a copy of the results and make sure that the 'stage' and 'grade' are included.  This is probably the final piece of information that your doc needs to make a receommendation as to what nexts steps might be.

Good luck.

[dranurag]

It took 1 week in India nad I got it on next appointment

[copyman]

results can take up to 2 weeks but usually sooner. i do not think most doctors call, they wait until follow up appointment. depending on how long it will be for the follow up appointment I would call and ask the doctors nurse for a copy of the report. I personally can not wait very long for results so if it was more then a few weeks before i see doc then i want the results sooner. good luck on the results

[meNtoby]

As far as mine is supposed to go: get biopsy at hospital (by unknown doctor, don't think there is a hepatologist there)

By 2 days, my primary MD has results, and I can get them to take to new Hepatology doctor along with my other gathered reports.  

I'm in the process of going to previous surgical doctors as well and getting old bloodwork, so Hepatology can see my pattern of bloodwork before the HCV diagnosis.

The 2 days is the norm for the hospitals in my area for anything that has to be read by a Radiologist.
C.