Overview

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.

Most often, a doctor performs a kidney biopsy by inserting a thin needle through the skin. This is called a percutaneous kidney biopsy. An imaging device helps the doctor guide the needle into the kidney to remove tissue.