A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy

You had a procedure called a kidney biopsy. Your healthcare provider used a needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your kidney. The tissue will be checked for signs of damage and disease. A kidney biopsy is done if other tests have shown that there may be a problem with your kidney. A kidney biopsy is also done if a healthcare provider thinks you may have kidney disease or to check for cancer.

Home care

  • Rest for 24 to 48 hours.

  • Don’t drive for 24 to 48 hours.

  • Don’t shower for 24 hours. If you wish, you may wash 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 from the biopsy site 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

  • Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 to 4 days.

  • Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work. Tell them if your job involves heavy lifting.

  • If you take blood-thinner medicine (anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine) and you stopped taking it a few days before your procedure, ask when you can take it again.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

  • Blood in your urine for more than 24 hours after the biopsy

  • Unable to pass urine

  • Extreme tiredness

  • Extreme weakness

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Sudden or worse shortness of breath

  • Sudden chest pain

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

  • Chills

  • Redness, tenderness, pain, or swelling at the biopsy site that gets worse

  • Opening up of the biopsy site

  • Fluid or bleeding from the biopsy site

  • Overall pain that gets worse, with or without activity

  • Symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms

Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Walead Latif MD
Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2021
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.