Kidney Biopsy

The kidney biopsy is performed in order to determine the potential cause for kidney dysfunction. Patients requiring this test usually have unexplained blood or protein in their urine as detected by urinalysis.

A biopsy refers to the removal of a small sample of the tissue for the purpose of microscopic analysis. The test is performed using a local anesthetic. A biopsy needle is inserted into the kidney, often with x-ray or ultrasound guidance. A small core of tissue is taken (without damaging the kidney) for analysis. The patient usually remains in the hospital overnight, lying still on their back for 12-24 hours to discourage bleeding from the biopsy site.

***** REMEMBER *****

1. There is a small risk of secondary infection at the biopsy site.

2. Some localized bleeding (nonserious) is expected and will cause muscle soreness.

3. The main complication that can occur is prolonged bleeding from the kidney. This happens less than 1 in 1,000 cases.

4. Some cases may warrant open biopsy. If a tumor is suspected, the open biopsy is commonly performed. Open biopsy will be rendered under general anesthesia. An incision is made and a wedge of the kidney is removed for microscopic analysis.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology