An abdominal wall fat pad biopsy is the removal of a small part of the abdominal wall fat pad. The procedure is done most often to test for amyloidosis.
Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad
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.
No special preparation is usually necessary.
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.
This test may be performed when amyloidosis is suspected.
The fat pad tissues are normal.
In the case of amyloidosis, abnormal results will indicate the presence of amyloid, an insoluble protein fiber that impairs organ and tissue function.
The risks are minimal. There is a slight risk of infection. There is also a minor risk of bruising or slight bleeding.
Buxbaum JN. The amyloidoses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 296.
Review Date: 2/23/2009
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright ©2003 A.D.A.M., Inc., as modified by University of California San Francisco. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Information developed by A.D.A.M., Inc. regarding tests and test results may not directly correspond with information provided by UCSF Medical Center. Please discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.