Five patients who had liver lesions detected by magnetic resonance (MR) and/or computed tomography (CT) were biopsied using MR guidance with a specially designed nonferromagnetic needle. The 20-gauge needle was constructed from Type 316 stainless steel in order to maximize needle visibility and minimize needle-tip artifact. In all cases adequate tissue was obtained for diagnosis and no side effects were observed during the biopsy or on clinical follow-up despite the fact that the needle was within the patient in MR for an average of 30 min.