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.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is usually necessary.

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.

Why the Test is Performed

This test may be performed when amyloidosis is suspected.

Normal Results

The fat pad tissues are normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean

In the case of amyloidosis, abnormal results mean there is amyloid, a protein that deposits in tissues and impairs organ and tissue function.

Risks

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

Alternative Names

Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad

References

Buxbaum JN. The amyloidoses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 296.

Gertz MA, Lacy MO, Dispenzieri A, Hayman SR. Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis). In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2008:chap 89.

Update Date: 2/21/2012

Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.