Kidney Biopsy

Tell your doctor if you:

• Are taking any medicines. If you are taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or blood thinners (such as Coumadin, heparin, or Plavix), your doctor may tell you to stop taking these medicines for several days before the biopsy.
• Are allergic to any medicines, such as those used to numb the skin (Reference anesthetics Opens New Window).
• Have had bleeding problems.
• Are or might be pregnant.

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your test may be canceled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of the test, please do so using only a sip of water.

Arrange to have someone take you home after the biopsy because you may be given a medicine (Reference sedative Opens New Window) to help you relax.

You will have blood tests done before the kidney biopsy to see whether you have any bleeding problems or blood clotting disorders. You may also have an ultrasound test or CT scan of the kidney to show the best place in your kidney to put the biopsy needle.

For a kidney biopsy, you will be asked to sign a consent form. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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