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Real members of myPBCteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have had a liver panel and ultrasound. They are suspecting PBC. I am scheduled for a liver biopsy next week.Is this to confirm PBC?

A myPBCteam Member asked a question 💭
Greenville, SC

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January 1
 · 
Reactions
A myPBCteam Member

Thank you so much Lisa! Stress is one thing I really need to work on.

January 2
A myPBCteam Member

My ANA was positive. I have a GI that I am seeing and he is the one sending me for the biopsy. I have not officially been diagnosed yet. The bloodwork was insinuating those results from what they are saying.

January 1
myPBCteam

Is the liver biopsy to confirm PBC?

Yes, the liver biopsy can help confirm PBC, especially if your blood test results aren't completely clear. To diagnose PBC, doctors typically need at least two of these three findings:

* Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels at least 1.5 times the upper limit of normal
* Presence Show Full Answer

Is the liver biopsy to confirm PBC?

Yes, the liver biopsy can help confirm PBC, especially if your blood test results aren't completely clear. To diagnose PBC, doctors typically need at least two of these three findings:

* Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels at least 1.5 times the upper limit of normal
* Presence of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) with a titer of 1:40 or higher
* Liver biopsy showing damage consistent with PBC

If your blood tests show high ALP but you're negative for AMA, or if results are unclear, a biopsy helps rule out other liver conditions and confirm PBC. During the biopsy, specialists will look for signs of bile duct damage, inflammation, and scarring under a microscope.

The biopsy also helps determine how much fibrosis or scarring is present in your liver, which gives your doctor important information about disease progression and your outlook. This can be especially helpful for planning your treatment approach.

January 1

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