Tublin ME, et al. - The impact of core gauge (18- vs 16-gauge) was evaluated on specimen adequacy and procedural complications. The researchers revealed that US-guided 18- and 16-gauge core biopsies were similarly safe. When American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) quality control adequacy thresholds were applied, a large percentage of 18- or 16-gauge specimens were inadequate. Specimen adequacy was not significantly affected by biopsy gauge.