Patient Information
Renal Services
Renal biopsy
What is a renal biopsy?
• A renal biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of kidney tissue is
taken and examined under a microscope.
• A renal biopsy is carried out in the X-ray department by a doctor or a
radiologist.
What preparation is required?
If you are taking any medicines that thin the blood such as Warfarin,
Aspirin, Clopidogrel, you will need to inform your doctor before
admission as these will need to be stopped.
• You can have a light meal 4 hours before your procedure. You can
continue drinking water up to 2 hours before your procedure.
• You will be required to have a blood test before the procedure to make
sure your blood clots properly.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form when the doctor will explain the
reasons why you need to have this test. The doctor will also explain the
risks associated with it.
• You will need to undress and wear a gown.
What will happen?
A porter will come and collect you in time for your biopsy. You will be
wheeled down to the X-ray department on your bed.
Patient Information
During the procedure
• You will be asked to lie on your front and your kidneys will be identified
by an ultrasound scan. This is done by putting a small amount of gel
onto your skin and the doctor or radiologist moves a probe over your
kidney area.
• Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic and local anaesthetic (an
injection to numb the area) will be injected into the skin. This may sting a
little.
• When the area is numb the doctor or radiologist will ask you to hold your
breath while the biopsy is being taken. This is because the kidney
moves while you are breathing, so this helps prevent any damage to the
kidney.
After the biopsy
• A plaster will be put over the biopsy site. A porter will come and collect
you to take you back to the ward.
• You will have to stay in bed after the procedure for six hours.
• A nurse will record your blood pressure and pulse regularly. She will
also inspect your biopsy site and check that you have passed urine.
• If you need any painkillers these will be given.
• You will be able to eat and drink as usual.
Risks of a renal biopsy
• The risk of a serious complication is small. Bleeding is the most serious
complication.
• In about 1 in 10 biopsies there is visible blood in the urine that settles by
itself.
• In less than 1 in 50 biopsies there is more bleeding that requires a blood
transfusion.
• In less than 1 in 1500 biopsies the bleeding may continue and require
urgent x-ray tests or an operation to stop the bleeding.
• In less than 1 in 3000 biopsies the kidney may have to be removed to
stop the bleeding.
• Although deaths have occurred following complications of biopsies this
is extremely rare.
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Patient Information
Discharge
• You will usually be discharged the day after your biopsy.
• You should avoid any strenuous activities for two weeks after the biopsy.
• If you are a patient in the Ambulatory Care Unit (opposite Ward 50) after
6 hours of bed rest and 2 hours (around the bed) of mobilising out of
bed, you may be allowed home upon a Renal Consultant review.
Complications
If you experience severe pain or pass blood in your urine please telephone
the Renal Ward for advice: Tel 024 7696 8258.
Results
You will usually be given the results of your kidney biopsy at your follow up
outpatient appointment.
The Trust has access to interpreting and translation services. If you need
this information in another language or format, please contact 024 7696
8258 and we will do our best to meet your needs.
The Trust operates a smoke free policy.
To give feedback on this leaflet please email feedback@uhcw.nhs.uk
Document history
Department: Renal Services
Contact: 28258
Updated: September 2023
Review: July 2025
Version: 6.2
Reference: HIC/LFT/372/07
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