Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy

You had a procedure called a kidney biopsy. Your doctor used a special needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your kidney to examine it for signs of damage and disease. A kidney biopsy is ordered after other tests have shown that there may be a problem with your kidney. Kidney biopsies are also performed when kidney disease is suspected and to rule out cancer.

Home Care

• Rest for 24–48 hours. Get up only to use the bathroom.

• Don’t drive for 24–48 hours after the procedure.

• Don’t shower for 24 hours after the biopsy. If you wish, you may wash yourself with a sponge or washcloth. When you are able to shower, don’t scrub the site. Gently wash the area and pat it dry.

• Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 24–48 hours after the procedure.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3–4 days after the procedure.

• Ask your doctor when you can return to work. Be sure to tell your doctor if your job involves heavy lifting.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

When to Call Your Doctor Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following: Blood in your urine Exhaustion or extreme weakness Dizziness or lightheadedness Sudden or increased shortness of breath Sudden chest pain Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the biopsy site Opening of or drainage or bleeding from the biopsy site Increasing pain, with or without activity