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In general, percutaneous kidney biopsy is a safe procedure. Possible risks include:

• Bleeding. The most common complication of kidney biopsy is blood in the urine (hematuria). 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.

Medications

When you meet with your doctor, bring a list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements. Before your kidney biopsy, you'll be asked to stop taking medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding. These include:

• Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Certain herbs and other dietary supplements, such as ginkgo, garlic and fish oil

Your doctor or nurse will let you know when to stop taking these medications and supplements, and for how long.

Blood and urine samples

Before your biopsy, you'll have blood drawn and provide a urine sample to make sure you don't have an infection or another condition that would make the biopsy risky.

Diet

You may be asked not to drink or eat for eight hours before the kidney biopsy.

You'll have a kidney biopsy at a hospital or outpatient center. Before the biopsy, your health care team may offer a light sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

During the procedure

During the biopsy, you'll be awake and lie on your abdomen, so your kidneys are positioned near the surface of your back. If the biopsy is for a transplanted kidney, you'll lie on your back instead.

A percutaneous biopsy takes about an hour and 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'll take a deep breath and hold it 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.
• You'll remain still, continuing to hold your breath, for the time it takes to collect the tissue — 30 to 45 seconds.
• 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 several 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. You may need to rest in bed for 12 to 24 for hours after the biopsy, as directed by your doctor. 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
• Inability to pass urine
• Fever
• Worsening pain at the biopsy site
• Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
• Faintness or weakness

Expect your biopsy report from the pathology lab within about a week. In urgent situations, a full or partial report may be available in less than 24 hours. At a follow-up visit, your doctor will discuss the results. The results may further explain what's causing your kidney problem, or they may be used to plan or change your treatment.