What gauge range is typical for hepatic core needle biopsy?

What gauge range is typical for hepatic core needle biopsy?

• A. 8-12 gauge
• B. 10-14 gauge
• C. 20-22 gauge
• D. 14-18 gauge

Answer: (D)

Needle gauge reflects the bore size: lower numbers mean a larger needle. For hepatic core biopsy you need a solid tissue core to evaluate liver architecture and obtain enough material for histology, so a medium-to-large bore is used rather than a fine needle. That’s why the range 14–18 gauge is typical, with 16 gauge being especially common. Smaller gauges like 20–22 would often yield insufficient tissue for histology, while much larger gauges such as 8–12 or 10–14 increase bleeding risk without added diagnostic benefit for routine liver biopsies.

Needle gauge reflects the bore size: lower numbers mean a larger needle. For hepatic core biopsy you need a solid tissue core to evaluate liver architecture and obtain enough material for histology, so a medium-to-large bore is used rather than a fine needle. That’s why the range 14–18 gauge is typical, with 16 gauge being especially common. Smaller gauges like 20–22 would often yield insufficient tissue for histology, while much larger gauges such as 8–12 or 10–14 increase bleeding risk without added diagnostic benefit for routine liver biopsies.