Kidney Biopsy: Why It’s Done & What Patients Should Know

A kidney biopsy is a valuable diagnostic procedure that helps doctors understand the underlying cause of kidney problems. When blood tests, urine tests, and imaging scans do not provide enough clarity, a biopsy offers a closer look at kidney tissues under a microscope. This detailed analysis helps determine the exact nature of kidney disease, its severity, and the most effective treatment plan. For many patients, a kidney biopsy becomes an essential step in ensuring accurate diagnosis and long-term kidney health.

Why Is a Kidney Biopsy Done?

A kidney biopsy is typically recommended when there are unexplained abnormalities in kidney function, such as:

• Persistent Protein or Blood in Urine: Excess protein (proteinuria) or blood in urine may indicate kidney inflammation or damage. A biopsy helps identify the underlying reason.
• Sudden Drop in Kidney Function: If kidney function declines rapidly without a clear cause, a biopsy helps detect conditions like acute kidney injury, glomerulonephritis, or autoimmune diseases.
• Suspected Kidney Inflammation or Infection: Conditions such as lupus nephritis require a biopsy for accurate staging and treatment planning.
• Monitoring Known Kidney Disorders: In some cases, ongoing kidney diseases need periodic biopsies to evaluate treatment response or disease progression.
• Evaluating Transplanted Kidneys: A biopsy is often used to check for early signs of rejection or complications after a kidney transplant.

How the Procedure Is Performed

A kidney biopsy is usually done under local anesthesia. Using ultrasound or CT guidance, the doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin to collect a small tissue sample from the kidney. The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day after a few hours of observation.

Patients are advised to lie still during the procedure and follow instructions carefully to ensure safety and accuracy.

Risks & Safety Measures

Kidney biopsies are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they carry some risks such as bleeding, infection, or discomfort at the biopsy site. Doctors take all necessary precautions—using imaging guidance, sterile techniques, and post-procedure monitoring—to minimize risks.

What Patients Should Expect After the Biopsy

After the procedure, patients may experience mild soreness, which usually resolves within a day or two. Heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and long travel are avoided for at least 48 hours. The biopsy results typically arrive within a week and help guide the next steps in treatment.

A kidney biopsy is a powerful tool that helps doctors diagnose kidney diseases with precision. Understanding the purpose, process, and post-procedure care can help patients feel confident and prepared. With timely biopsy and expert medical care, kidney diseases can be managed effectively, improving long-term kidney health and overall well-being.

Our Services

• Diabetic Kidney Disease
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Fluid Balance
• Kidney Biopsy
• Dialysis Catheter
• Permanent Catheterisation

Our Treatments

• Diabetes/Sugar
• Hypertension/BP
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Protein in Urine
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Dialysis
• Kidney Transplant
• Kidney Stone
• Electrolyte Disorder
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Glomeruldnephritis/AKI