Kidney Biopsy

There is a small chance for serious problems from a kidney biopsy, but they are rare.

• Bleeding into the muscle, which can cause soreness.
• Bleeding into the kidney.
• Infection of the skin at the biopsy site.
• Reference Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) Opens New Window.
• Puncturing a major blood vessel, which may need Reference blood transfusions Opens New Window, renal angiography and embolization, or surgery. This is very rare.

After the biopsy

After the biopsy, call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you develop:

• Signs of Reference shock Opens New Window.
• Reference Severe pain Opens New Window in your chest, shoulder, or belly.
• Reference Moderate to severe Opens New Window difficulty breathing.

After the biopsy, call your doctor immediately if you:

• Develop more pain in your back, belly, or groin.
• Have too much bleeding or drainage (such as pus) from the biopsy site.
• Have blood in your urine for longer than 24 hours after the biopsy.
• Have signs of an infection, such as a fever or burning when you urinate.
• Have weakness or lightheadedness when you change position, such as standing up from a sitting or lying position.

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