MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy

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Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test	How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are

Illustrations

Digestive system

Fat tissue biopsy

Alternative names Return to top

Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad

Definition Return to top

This procedure involves removing a small portion of the abdominal wall "fat pad." The procedure is done most often to test for amyloidosis.

How the test is performed Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

This test may be performed when amyloidosis is suspected.

Normal Values Return to top

The fat pad tissues are normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Amyloidosis is the disease most frequently diagnosed by this test.

What the risks are Return to top

The risks are minimal. There is a slight risk of infection. There is also a minor risk of bruising or slight bleeding.

Update Date: 5/12/2003

Updated by: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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