Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Health Care - David Mangusan Jr., PTRP
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Biopsy of the Kidney - A Diagnostic Procedure
A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that doctors use in order to see a tissue sample under a microscope. A kidney biopsy, also called renal biopsy, involves collection of small pieces of kidney tissue, usually through the use of a needle. This test is helpful in finding or confirming a diagnosis. Performing a biopsy of the kidney is also useful in determining the best course of treatment.
The doctor may recommend kidney biopsy if a patient has
There are several ways of obtaining kidney tissue samples, including
Percutaneous (through the skin) biopsy. The doctor uses a locating needle and an x-ray or ultrasound to find the right spot and then a collecting needle to obtain the tissue sample. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour.
Kidney biopsy through an open operation. If percutaneous biopsy is not advisable because the patient is prone to bleeding problems, open operation to obtain kidney tissue samples may be recommended by the doctor.
Transjugular biopsy. In this procedure, a needle is inserted through a catheter that enters the patient’s jugular vein located in the neck. The needle threads down through the blood vessel to the right kidney in order to get the tissue sample from the inside without puncturing the outside skin of the kidney.
Points to Remember:
Before the Test:
Talk with your doctor to make sure you understand the need for a biopsy.
Sign a consent form.
Inform your doctor about medicines you take and allergies you have.
Avoid food and fluid 8 hours before the test.
After the Test:
Your doctor will likely advise you to lie on your back, or stomach (if you have a transplanted kidney), for 12 to 24 hours.
You should inform your health care provider if you experience or notice problems, such as
References:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Your Kidneys and How They Work: What medical tests will my doctor use to detect kidney disease? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 07–3195, August 2007. Available at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.htm#6. Accessed July 2008
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Kidney Biopsy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 05—4763, January 2005. Available at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/biopsy/index.htm. Accessed July 2008
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A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that doctors use in order to see a tissue sample under a microscope. A kidney biopsy, also called renal biopsy, involves collection of small pieces of kidney tissue, usually through the use of a needle. This test is helpful in finding or confirming a diagnosis. Performing a biopsy of the kidney is also useful in determining the best course of treatment.
The doctor may recommend kidney biopsy if a patient has
Blood in his or her urine (hematuria)The doctor who will study the kidney tissue sample is called a pathologist. The pathologist will check the sample for scarring, unusual deposits, or infecting organisms. The result of the kidney biopsy may reveal
Excessive protein in his or her urine, a condition called proteinuria
Impaired kidney function, which causes wastes to build up in the blood.
A kidney condition that can be treated or curedDuring the procedure, the patient may be fully awake with light sedation, or may be asleep under a general anesthesia.
How quickly a kidney failure is progressing
Why a transplanted kidney is not working properly
There are several ways of obtaining kidney tissue samples, including
Percutaneous (through the skin) biopsy. The doctor uses a locating needle and an x-ray or ultrasound to find the right spot and then a collecting needle to obtain the tissue sample. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour.
Kidney biopsy through an open operation. If percutaneous biopsy is not advisable because the patient is prone to bleeding problems, open operation to obtain kidney tissue samples may be recommended by the doctor.
Transjugular biopsy. In this procedure, a needle is inserted through a catheter that enters the patient’s jugular vein located in the neck. The needle threads down through the blood vessel to the right kidney in order to get the tissue sample from the inside without puncturing the outside skin of the kidney.
Points to Remember:
Before the Test:
Talk with your doctor to make sure you understand the need for a biopsy.
Sign a consent form.
Inform your doctor about medicines you take and allergies you have.
Avoid food and fluid 8 hours before the test.
After the Test:
Your doctor will likely advise you to lie on your back, or stomach (if you have a transplanted kidney), for 12 to 24 hours.
You should inform your health care provider if you experience or notice problems, such as
***Note: This is a general information regarding kidney biopsy. Like any other diagnostic procedure, you should talk with your doctor about the risks involved and what information might be obtained from this procedure.
- Bloody urine more than 24 hours after the test
- Fever
- Worsening pain in the biopsy site
- Inability to urinate
- Faintness or dizziness
References:
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Your Kidneys and How They Work: What medical tests will my doctor use to detect kidney disease? National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 07–3195, August 2007. Available at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.htm#6. Accessed July 2008
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Kidney Biopsy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. NIH Publication No. 05—4763, January 2005. Available at http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/biopsy/index.htm. Accessed July 2008
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