Kidney biopsy

A kidney biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of kidney tissue that can be examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. Your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy — also called renal biopsy — to diagnose a suspected kidney problem. It may also be used to see how serious a kidney condition is, or to monitor treatment for kidney disease. You may also need a kidney biopsy if you've had a kidney transplant that's not working properly.

A kidney biopsy may be done to: Diagnose a kidney problem that can't otherwise be identified Help develop treatment plans based on the kidney's condition Determine how quickly kidney disease is progressing Determine the extent of damage from kidney disease or another disease Evaluate how well treatment for kidney disease is working Monitor the health of a transplanted kidney or find out why a transplanted kidney isn't working properly Your doctor may recommend a kidney biopsy based on the results of blood or urine tests that show: Blood in the urine originating from the kidney Protein in the urine (proteinuria) that's excessive, rising or accompanied by other signs of kidney disease Problems with kidney function, leading to excessive waste products in the blood Not everyone with these problems needs a kidney biopsy. The decision is based on your signs and symptoms, test results, and overall health.

In general, percutaneous kidney biopsy is a safe procedure. Possible risks include: Bleeding. The most common complication of a kidney biopsy is blood in the urine. The bleeding usually stops within a few days. Bleeding that's serious enough to require a blood transfusion affects a very small percentage of people who have a kidney biopsy. Rarely, surgery is needed to control bleeding. Pain. Pain at the biopsy site is common after a kidney biopsy, but it usually lasts only a few hours. Arteriovenous fistula. If the biopsy needle accidentally damages the walls of a nearby artery and vein, an abnormal connection (fistula) can form between the two blood vessels. This type of fistula usually causes no symptoms and closes on its own. Others. Rarely, a collection of blood (hematoma) around the kidney becomes infected. This complication is treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage. Another uncommon risk is development of high blood pressure related to a large hematoma.

Before your kidney biopsy, you'll meet with your doctor to talk about what to expect. This is a good time to ask questions about the procedure and make sure you understand the benefits and risks.

You'll have a kidney biopsy at a hospital or outpatient center. An IV will be placed before the procedure starts. Sedatives may be given through the IV.