What you can expect

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.

During the procedure

During the biopsy, you'll be awake and lie on your abdomen or your side, depending on which position allows best access to your kidney. For a biopsy of a transplanted kidney, most people lie on their backs.

A percutaneous biopsy includes these steps:

• With an ultrasound probe, your doctor identifies exactly where to insert the needle. In some cases, a CT scan may be used instead of ultrasound.
• Your doctor marks your skin, cleans the area and applies a numbing medication (local anesthetic).
• Your doctor makes a small incision where the needle will go in and uses the ultrasound device to guide the needle into your kidney.
• You may be asked to hold your breath as your doctor collects a sample using a spring-loaded instrument. You may feel a "pop" or pressure and hear a sharp clicking noise.
• Your doctor may need to insert the needle several times — often through the same incision — to get enough tissue.
• Your doctor removes the needle and places a small bandage on the incision.

Other kidney biopsy procedures

Percutaneous kidney biopsy isn't an option for some people. If you have a history of bleeding problems, have a blood-clotting disorder or have only one kidney, your doctor may consider a laparoscopic biopsy.

In this procedure, your doctor makes a small incision and inserts a thin, lighted tube with a video camera at its tip (laparoscope). This tool allows the doctor to view your kidney on a video screen and remove tissue samples.

After the procedure

After the biopsy, you can expect to:

• Spend time in a recovery room where your blood pressure, pulse and breathing will be monitored.
• Have urinalysis and complete blood count tests done to check for bleeding and other complications.
• Rest quietly for around four to six hours.
• Receive written instructions about your recovery.
• Feel some soreness or pain at the biopsy site for a few hours. You'll be given medications to relieve pain.

Most people can leave the hospital the same day, about 12 to 24 hours after the procedure. Once home, your doctor will probably recommend that you rest for another day or two. Your health care team will let you know about any activity restrictions, such as avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.

Your kidney tissue goes to a lab to be examined by a doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease (pathologist). The pathologist uses microscopes and dyes to look for unusual deposits, scarring, infection or other abnormalities in the kidney tissue.

Call your doctor if you experience:

• Significant bright red blood or clots in your urine more than 24 hours after the biopsy
• Changes in urination, such as an inability to pass urine, an urgent or frequent need to urinate, or a burning sensation when urinating
• Worsening pain at the biopsy site
• Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
• Faintness or weakness