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Kidney biopsy

Also called: renal biopsy

A kidney biopsy is a test where small pieces of kidney tissue are collected and examined under a microscope for unusual deposits, infecting organisms and/or scarring. A kidney biopsy can be used to diagnose cancer and other kidney problems and determine treatment. A kidney biopsy can also be done on a transplanted kidney to check for signs of rejection. Kidney biopsies are generally done in the hospital with either local or general anesthesia.

A kidney biopsy usually takes about one hour, during which the doctor will locate the kidneys, clean the area, administer anesthesia and collect tissue samples. When the biopsy is over, the tissue samples will be taken to a laboratory and examined under microscopes using dyes if needed to check for different substances. Results from a kidney biopsy are generally available within a few days. 

Learn more

Articles

• Understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Renal cancer and chronic kidney disease

External links

Articles and portals

• Kidney biopsy – WebMD

Journals

• Article: Renal biopsy in a general hospital