A kidney biopsy is a procedure to remove small pieces of tissue from a kidney. In a percutaneous biopsy, the tissue is removed using a needle that is inserted through the skin. This procedure is done so that the tissue can be examined under a microscope. A kidney biopsy can help a health care provider make a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. You may need a kidney biopsy if you have:
• Blood in your urine (hematuria).
• Excessive protein in your urine (proteinuria).
• Impaired kidney function that causes excessive waste products in your blood.
A specialist will look at the kidney tissue samples to check for unusual deposits, scarring, or infecting organisms that would explain your condition. …show more content…
These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• You will have blood and urine samples taken. This is to make sure that you do not have a condition where you should not have a biopsy.
PROCEDURE
• To reduce your risk of infection:
○ Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
○ Your skin will be washed with soap.
• You will be given one or more of the following:
○ A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
○ A medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
○ A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
• You will lie on your stomach to position the kidneys near the surface of your back. If you have a transplanted kidney, you will lie on your back.
• Your health care provider will use a locating needle and X-ray or ultrasound equipment to find the right spot to remove tissue.
• A collecting needle will be used to remove the tissue samples. If you are awake, you will be asked to hold your breath as the needle is inserted and collects the tissue. This may need to be repeated a few times. Each insertion and collection lasts about 30 seconds or a little longer. You will be told when to