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Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad

Definition:

Removal of a small portion of the abdominal wall fat pad for examination.

How the Test is Performed

Needle aspiration is the most common method of obtaining an abdominal wall fat pad biopsy. The skin of the abdomen is cleansed, and a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the fat pad under the skin. A small "core" of the fat pad is removed with the needle and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is usually necessary.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation a parent can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on the child's age, interests, previous experiences, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the Test will Feel

Although your health care provider may have numbed the skin, there can be some mild discomfort or pressure during the needle insertion. Afterward, the area may feel tender or bruised for several days.

Why the Test is Performed

This test may be performed when amyloidosis is suspected.

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