Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy
You had a procedure called a kidney biopsy. Your doctor used a special needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your kidney to examine it for signs of damage and disease. A kidney biopsy is ordered after other tests have shown that there may be a problem with your kidney. Kidney biopsies are also performed when kidney disease is suspected and to rule out cancer.
Home Care
Rest for 24–48 hours. Get up only to use the bathroom.
Don’t drive for 24–48 hours after the procedure.
Don’t shower for 24 hours after the biopsy. If you wish, you may wash yourself with a sponge or washcloth. When you are able to shower, don’t scrub the site. Gently wash the area and pat it dry.
Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 24–48 hours after the procedure.
Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3–4 days after the procedure.
Ask your doctor when you can return to work. Be sure to tell your doctor if your job involves heavy lifting.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
Blood in your urine
Exhaustion or extreme weakness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sudden or increased shortness of breath
Sudden chest pain
Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or chills
Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the biopsy site
Opening of or drainage or bleeding from the biopsy site
Increasing pain, with or without activity