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Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy
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| Definition: |
Removal of a small portion of the abdominal wall fat pad for examination.
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| Alternative Names: |
Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad
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| How the test is performed: |
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.
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| How to prepare for the test: |
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:
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| How the test will feel: |
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.
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| Why the test is performed: |
This test may be performed when amyloidosis is suspected.
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| Normal Values: |
The fat pad tissues are normal.
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| What abnormal results mean: |
Amyloidosis is the disease most frequently diagnosed by this test.
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| What the risks are: |
The risks are minimal. There is a slight risk of infection. There is also a minor risk of bruising or slight bleeding.
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Review Date: 11/21/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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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 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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