After having a kidney biopsy
Kidney biopsy in the interventional radiology department
A kidney biopsy is a procedure, where we remove a small sample of tissue from your kidney with a thin needle. We use ultrasound or CT guidance to put this needle accurately into the kidney. The sample is then examined in detail under a microscope.
What happens after the procedure
After the kidney biopsy, you stay in the recovery room. You need to rest in bed for a few hours and we monitor you closely.
You can eat after the procedure and we usually encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. We give you light refreshments, such as:
- tea or coffee
- a sandwich
- some fruit
If you have any special dietary requirements, you might want to bring some food and drink with you.
The nurse explains when you can get out of bed and move around. You can usually go home later that day or on the morning after the kidney biopsy.
What to do after you go home
If you are otherwise healthy and your kidneys work well, you might be able to go home on the same day. We check that you can pee without problems and show no signs of bleeding before you leave hospital.
Here is some guidance if you go home on the day of your procedure.
Do
- Keep drinking lots of fluids. You need to drink 2 litres (3.5 pints) of liquid in the 24 hours after the biopsy.
- Eat as usual.
- Rest for the remainder of the day and possibly for the next day, depending on how you recover. You can then continue your usual activities.
- Arrange for someone to stay with you overnight while you recover.
- Take your usual painkillers, as prescribed, if you have any pain.
- Continue taking any usual medicines, as prescribed.
- Check the area where we put in the needle (the biopsy site) regularly.
Don't
- Do not have a shower until 24 hours after the procedure.
- Do not have a bath until 48 hours after the procedure.
If you have any concerning symptoms
After a kidney biopsy, you might notice some bruising at the area where we put in the needle (the biopsy site).
Bleeding or swelling is rare, but if it does happen:
- lie down
- put pressure directly on the biopsy site for 10 minutes
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
the bleeding or swelling at the biopsy site continues after 10 minutes
Getting your results
It takes 7 to 10 working days to get the results of your kidney biopsy from the laboratory.
You need to make an appointment with the doctor who referred you for the test to get your results. If your referring doctor is based at Guy's and St Thomas', you can make an appointment before you leave the hospital.
Resource number: 0573/VER6
Last reviewed: February 2024
Next review due: February 2027
A list of sources is available on request.
