In a liver biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed from the liver to diagnose a variety of disorders, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cancer. This procedure is performed in hospital under local anaesthesia and the sample is sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination. You will need to remain in bed for up to 6 hours afterwards, lying on your right side at first to prevent bleeding. The biopsy site may be tender for a few days.