An appointment lead time of more than two weeks is significantly associated with not presenting for a liver biopsy procedure*

BACKGROUND AND AIM: A liver biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic tool for liver disease. Patient failure to attend a liver biopsy appointment causes a delay in diagnosis and the initiation of therapy. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with liver biopsy appointment noncompliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was used to analyze the data of consecutive outpatients with liver disease who had a liver biopsy appointment at a tertiary university hospital hepatology center between March 2020 and March 2021. Baseline demographic information and logistical factors that might affect presentation for an appointment were examined. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients (50% female) with a mean age of 45±12.31 years were included in the study. The rate of not attending the biopsy appointment was 15.9%. Age, sex, distance to the healthcare facility, and patient disease were not linked to appointment adherence, however, attendance was significantly associated with an appointment date made more than 12 days in advance, with 85% sensitivity and 72% specificity (area under the curve: 0.809; 95% confidence interval: 0.708–0.888; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The nonattendance rate for liver biopsy appointments is relatively high, and it is an obstacle to the effectiveness of hepatology clinics. Making appointments for patients within 2 weeks may increase liver biopsy attendance.