Dismiss Modal

Recovery

Discharge Instructions for Kidney Biopsy

Choose a preferred language

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

© 2000-2025 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.
Related Articles
Read more →
Urology
Discharge Instructions for Kidney Transplant Biopsy

Your doctor removed a small piece of tissue from your transplanted kidney to examine it for signs of damage or rejection. The results of a transplant biopsy are usually available within a few hours, so if treatment is needed, it can be started as soon as possible.

Read more →
Digestive Health
Discharge Instructions for Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is ordered after other tests have shown that your liver is not working correctly. You may also have a liver biopsy when liver disease is suspected to determine whether there is too much iron in the liver or to rule out cancer.

Read more →
Urology
Kidney Biopsy

A biopsy is done to remove tissue or cells from the body for exam under a microscope. The tissue sample is removed with a needle to check for cancer or other abnormal cells. It also helps check how well the kidney is working.

Read more →
Oncology
Discharge Instructions for Kidney (Renal) Cryoablation

You had cryoablation to treat kidney cancer. Here’s how to take care of yourself at home after the procedure.